Challenges in the Life of Melania Trump in a Detailed Timeline
Life is full of challenges, and Melania Trump faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Melania Trump, a Slovenian-American former model, is the First Lady of the United States, serving non-consecutive terms from 2017 to 2021 and since 2025, as the wife of President Donald Trump. She is the first naturalized citizen to hold the position, the second foreign-born First Lady after Louisa Adams, the second Catholic First Lady after Jacqueline Kennedy, and only the second First Lady after Frances Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms.
2005: Access Hollywood tape recorded
In 2005, the Access Hollywood tape was recorded, featuring controversial remarks by Donald Trump. The tape was leaked in October 2016.
July 2006: Alleged Stormy Daniels Affair
In July 2006, the alleged affair between Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels reportedly occurred.
2008: Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention
In 2008, Michelle Obama delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention, parts of which were later plagiarized by Melania Trump in 2016.
2011: Developed Melania Marks Skincare Line
In 2011, Melania developed a caviar-infused skincare line called Melania Marks Skincare, which was never launched and led to a legal dispute that was later settled out of court in her favor.
July 2016: Nude Images Published
In July 2016, nude images of Melania Trump were published on the front page of the New York Post, leading her to retreat from public view for two months.
July 18, 2016: Speech at Republican National Convention
On July 18, 2016, Melania Trump gave a speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention. A paragraph of the speech was found to be plagiarized from Michelle Obama's 2008 speech.
2016: Lawsuit Against the Daily Mail
In 2016, Melania Trump sued the Daily Mail for libel after it alleged that she had worked for an escort agency, later changing the suit to emotional distress.
May 2017: Incident in Israel
In May 2017, during a visit to Israel, Melania slapped away Donald Trump's hand after he forgot she was beside him, marking the beginning of press coverage about her independent streak.
January 2018: Stormy Daniels Scandal
In January 2018, news broke of an alleged affair between Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels, leading to Melania reducing her public appearances.
April 2018: Melania Learned About Kidney Disease
In April 2018, Melania Trump learned that she was afflicted with kidney disease, sharing the information only with her parents, husband, and sister.
May 7, 2018: Be Best Awareness Campaign Launch
On May 7, 2018, Melania Trump announced her official public initiative as first lady, the "Be Best" awareness campaign, in the White House Rose Garden. The initiative aimed to support the welfare of children, advocate against cyberbullying, and prevent opioid abuse.
October 2018: Melania Trump's Solo Tour of Africa
In October 2018, Melania Trump undertook a solo tour of Africa, visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt. She spent time with children in schools, orphanages, and hospitals, promoted relief work, and faced criticism for her fashion choices and comments.
2018: White House Christmas Decorations Controversy
In 2018, Melania Trump planned the White House Christmas decorations, which were widely derided for their unconventional design.
2018: Criticism of 'Zero Tolerance' Policy
In 2018, Melania Trump was openly critical of her husband's "zero tolerance" policy of denying asylum at the Mexico–United States border, where children were being separated from their parents.
2018: Challenges as First Lady in 2018
In 2018, as First Lady, Melania Trump faced allegations about her husband's extramarital affairs, underwent surgery for kidney disease, and received scrutiny during a tour of Africa.
October 2019: Justice Department Civil Suit
In October 2019, The Justice Department filed a civil suit against Winston Wolkoff, alleging breach of a nondisclosure agreement.
2019: Be Best Campaign Criticism
In 2019, the "Be Best" campaign drew criticism for perceived hypocrisy, challenging cyberbullying while Donald Trump was known for attacking people online, and after Donald Trump criticized Greta Thunberg, days after Melania had criticized Pamela Karlan for invoking Barron.
October 1, 2020: Release of Audiotapes Featuring Melania
On October 1, 2020, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff released audiotapes featuring Melania Trump making profane statements about her image and role as first lady, along with her tell-all book, "Melania and Me".
2020: Leaked Tapes Defending Some Border Practices
In 2020, Leaked tapes featured Melania making statements defending some of the practices, expressing grief about family separation but questioning the validity of asylum claims and dismissing concerns that children were kept in substandard conditions.
2020: Endorsement of False Election Statement
In 2020, despite Donald Trump's loss of the election, Melania Trump ended her tenure by endorsing his false statement that he had been the legitimate election winner.
