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 who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021 and again starting in 2025. Married to President Donald Trump, she is the first naturalized U.S. citizen to hold the position of First Lady. She is also the second foreign-born First Lady, following Louisa Adams, and only the second Roman Catholic First Lady after Jacqueline Kennedy. Furthermore, she's the second First Lady to serve two non-consecutive terms, after Frances Cleveland.

Sections (5)

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

2005: Access Hollywood Tape Recorded

In 2005, the Access Hollywood tape was recorded, featuring Donald Trump making controversial remarks about his treatment of women. The tape was leaked on October 7, 2016, a month before the election.

2011: Melania Develops Skincare Line

In 2011, Melania developed a line of caviar-infused skincare products under the brand Melania Marks Skincare, which was never launched. A legal case arose when New Sunshine, the company selling the products, voided the contract due to management changes, alleging a sweetheart deal was given to the Trumps. Melania sued the company for $50 million in lost revenue, and the case was settled out of court in her favor.

July 2016: Publication of Nude Images in the New York Post

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

2016: Melania Sues the Daily Mail for Libel

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 during election

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 1988 to have this distinction.

January 2018: Affair Scandal Erupts

In January 2018, a scandal broke when it was alleged that Donald Trump had an affair with Stormy Daniels. Melania Trump's public appearances became infrequent, and she canceled events, including the State of the Union Address. Michael Cohen expressed regret for lying to Melania about arranging the silencing of the affair.

April 2018: Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

In April 2018, Melania Trump learned that she was afflicted with kidney disease and only shared the information with her parents, husband, and sister.

October 2018: Africa Tour and Criticism

In October 2018, Melania Trump toured Africa, visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt, focusing on children's welfare and touting USAID's relief work. She faced criticism for her fashion choices and responded by saying she was "the most bullied person in the world".

2018: Challenges as First Lady

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

2018: Critical of 'Zero Tolerance' Policy

In 2018, Melania Trump was openly critical of her husband's 'zero tolerance' policy at the Mexico-United States border, which separated children from their parents, and influenced his decision to end it.

2019: Criticism for Hypocrisy

In 2019, the 'Be Best' campaign drew criticism for perceived hypocrisy due to Donald Trump's online attacks, particularly after he criticized Greta Thunberg. Melania's office defended the different communication styles between spouses.

October 1, 2020: Release of Audiotapes

On October 1, 2020, audiotapes featuring Melania Trump making profane statements about her role as first lady were released by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff alongside a 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 study

In December 2020, a study by the Siena College Research Institute ranked Melania Trump as the worst of 40 assessed American first ladies. The study also found that she was perceived as the first lady who "could have done more" and that her "Be Best" initiative was ranked the least-effective signature initiative among recent first ladies.

2020: Endorsing False Election Claims

In 2020, despite Donald Trump's election loss, Melania Trump endorsed his false statement that he had won the election. She focused on compiling photo albums of White House decorations and renovations, and did not immediately comment on the January 6 Capitol attack.