Melania Trump for Dummies

Well, dummies, dummies... I refuse to call us that, but with all eyes back on Donald Trump, Melania is also under scrutiny again and is at the top of the trending topics list on Google. In other words: we want to know everything about Melania. Because what is it like for her to be FLOTUS of a man who has been convicted of unwanted advances? With other women, that is. During your marriage.

Who is Melania?

Melania Trump, born as Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia (then Yugoslavia), grew up in a working-class family. Interest in fashion was evident from an early age. Her father, Viktor Knavs, was a car importer, and her mother, Amalija Knavs, worked as a fashion designer. The spoon with taste and style was already ready.
Melania spoke Slovenian from a young age but later also learned German, French, and English. She started modeling at the age of 16.

Not a dumb brunette

Melania studied architecture and design at the University of Ljubljana. However, she does not have a diploma, as when her modeling career took off, she chose that path. I used to find her incredibly beautiful – just look up images of Melania from back then. She moved to Milan and Paris, where she worked for major brands. Patrick Demarchelier discovered her, paving the way to Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and Sports Illustrated. In the 1990s, she moved to New York, where – you can see it coming – she met Donald Trump.

Mel and Don

Donald Trump was at that time divorced from his second wife, Marla Maples. Melania and Donald married on January 22, 2005, at Mar-a-Lago, Donald's estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Melania was 35 at the time and Donald was 58.

A son

Melania and Donald have one child together: Barron William Trump, born on March 20, 2006. Barron is Donald's fifth child, and they try to keep him out of the spotlight as much as possible. There are whispers that Barron may be autistic and that the turmoil surrounding his father has a negative effect on him.

Very close with Barron

Melania has always indicated that she has a close bond with her son. In interviews, she often emphasizes that motherhood is her priority. During her time as First Lady, she protected Barron from the media as much as possible. She and Donald even decided that Barron would not live in the White House but in New York, to give him a “normal” childhood.

Fashion style and brands

• Melania Trump often opts for classic, luxury brands. She is frequently seen in designs from:
• Ralph Lauren: Timeless, formal styles, including outfits for official occasions.
• Christian Dior: For example, that beautiful ensemble at the inauguration – very Jackie Kennedy.
• Giambattista Valli
• Dolce & Gabbana

Is there a restyling again?

Melania loves art, fashion, and architecture. As First Lady, she focused on restyling the interior of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington.

The missteps

Melania's missteps are not as significant as her husband's, but there are a few:
Plagiarism scandal (2016): During the Republican National Convention, her speech was accused of plagiarism because parts matched Michelle Obama's speech from 2008.

The “I really don’t care, do u?” jacket (2018): She wore this during a visit to migrant children at the border. She later said it was a statement against fake news, but it wasn't smart.

Passive role: She was often criticized for her limited public involvement during Donald's presidency.

What's in the piggy bank?

Melania Trump has built up a significant personal fortune, partly through her modeling work, businesses, and marriage to Donald Trump. Her net worth is estimated at 50 to 70 million euros.