Major Controversies Surrounding Melania Trump: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Melania Trump—discover key moments of controversy.

Melania Trump is a Slovenian-American former model who served as First Lady of the United States during Donald Trump's presidency from 2017 to 2021, and again from 2025 onwards. She holds the distinction of being the first naturalized citizen to assume the role of First Lady. She is also the second foreign-born First Lady and the second Roman Catholic First Lady. Notably, she is also the second First Lady to serve two non-consecutive terms.

Sections (5)

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

1997: Sexually explicit photoshoot for Max magazine

In 1997, Melania was featured in a sexually explicit photoshoot for a French men's magazine, Max.

July 2006: Alleged extramarital affair

In July 2006, Donald Trump allegedly had an extramarital affair with pornographic actress Stormy Daniels after his marriage to Melania and the birth of their son. A second affair with model Karen McDougal also allegedly occurred in 2006.

2016: Campaign appearances and controversies

In 2016, during Donald Trump's presidential election campaign, Melania made rare appearances, assisted with strategy, faced press coverage regarding erotic photos and plagiarism accusations from a speech at the Republican National Convention. She also defended her husband following the release of the Access Hollywood tape.

2016: Publication of 1997 photoshoot by the New York Post

In 2016, photos from a 1997 sexually explicit photo shoot featuring Melania were published by the New York Post, bringing renewed attention to the images.

August 9, 2018: Parents granted American citizenship

On August 9, 2018, Melania Trump's parents were granted American citizenship, which led to accusations of hypocrisy due to Donald Trump's stance against chain migration.

October 2018: Solo tour of Africa

In October 2018, Melania Trump embarked on a solo tour of Africa, visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt, focusing on children's welfare and promoting relief work by the United States Agency for International Development. She faced criticism for her fashion choices and later claimed to be "the most bullied person in the world".

2018: Criticism of zero tolerance policy

In 2018, Melania Trump openly criticized her husband's "zero tolerance" policy regarding asylum at the Mexico–United States border, expressing her opposition to family separations and influencing his decision to end the policy.

2018: Challenges as First Lady

In 2018, Melania faced challenges that included allegations of extramarital affairs by her husband, surgery for kidney disease, and scrutiny during a tour of Africa. Despite these challenges, she prioritized children's issues, launching the Be Best campaign.

October 2019: Justice Department lawsuit against Winston Wolkoff

In October 2019, the Justice Department filed a civil suit against Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, alleging breach of a nondisclosure agreement.

2019: Criticism of Be Best campaign's hypocrisy

In 2019, the Be Best campaign faced criticism for perceived hypocrisy, especially after President Trump made critical Twitter posts about Greta Thunberg, a teenage environmental activist. This highlighted the contrast between Melania's anti-cyberbullying initiative and her husband's online behavior.

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, role as first lady, and frustration with Christmas decorations. The tapes were released alongside Winston Wolkoff's book, Melania and Me.

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

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2020: Endorsement of election fraud claims

In 2020, Melania endorsed her husband's false claims of election fraud in the presidential election.

2020: Endorsement of false election statements

In 2020, despite Donald Trump's loss in the election, Melania Trump endorsed his false statement that he had been the legitimate election winner. She focused on compiling photo albums and remained in the White House residence.

2020: Leaked tapes defending border policies

In 2020, leaked tapes revealed Melania Trump defending some practices of the "zero tolerance" policy at the Mexico-United States border, questioning asylum claims, and dismissing concerns about substandard conditions for children.

February 2021: Lawsuit against Winston Wolkoff dropped

In February 2021, under the Biden administration, the Justice Department dropped the civil suit against Stephanie Winston Wolkoff.

September 2022: Interview with Breitbart News

In September 2022, Melania Trump stated in an interview with Breitbart News that audiotapes released by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff had been strategically edited.