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 is a Slovenian-American former model and the current First Lady of the United States (since 2025), a position she also held from 2017 to 2021 during Donald Trump's previous presidency. She holds the distinction of being the first naturalized citizen to become First Lady, the second foreign-born First Lady, the second Roman Catholic First Lady, and the second First Lady to serve two non-consecutive terms.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2011: Development of Melania Marks Skincare Line

In 2011, Melania developed a line of caviar-infused skincare products under the brand Melania Marks Skincare. Although the brand never launched, a legal case ensued after the company selling the products, New Sunshine, underwent management changes and voided the contract. The case was later settled out of court in Melania's favor.

July 2016: Publication of Nude Images in New York Post

In July 2016, more nude images of Melania were published on the front page of the New York Post in a story titled "The Ogle Office". While the images were seen as humiliating, they did not have a major effect on the campaign, and Melania spent the following two months away from the public.

2016: Daily Mail Libel Suit

In 2016 Melania sued the Daily Mail for libel after it alleged that she had worked for an escort agency. The suit was initially for lost career opportunities, but this was changed to emotional distress when she received questions about why she expected to have career opportunities as first lady.

2016: Unfavorable Approval Rating

In 2016, during the presidential election, Melania Trump had a disapproval rating greater than her approval rating, making her the only candidate's spouse since polling began in 1988 to have such a rating.

April 2018: Melania Diagnosed with Kidney Disease

In April 2018, Melania learned that she was afflicted with kidney disease, sharing this information only with her parents, husband, and sister. She began treatment in May at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

2018: Challenges as First Lady in 2018

In 2018, Melania Trump faced allegations of extramarital affairs by her husband, underwent surgery for kidney disease, and experienced scrutiny of her wardrobe during a tour of Africa.

October 1, 2020: Release of Audiotapes by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

On October 1, 2020, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff released audiotapes featuring Melania Trump making profane statements about her image and role as first lady, coinciding with Wolkoff's tell-all book, 'Melania and Me.'

Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady

Check it on Amazon

December 2020: Ranked Worst First Lady

In December 2020, a Siena College Research Institute study ranked Melania Trump as the worst of 40 assessed American first ladies. She received the lowest assessments in all metrics and was considered to have "could have done more" while first lady. Her "Be Best" initiative was ranked the least effective among the ten most-recent first ladies.