Childhood and Education Journey of Melania Trump in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Melania Trump. A timeline of key moments.

Melania Trump, a Slovenian-American former model, has served as First Lady of the United States during two non-consecutive terms of her husband, Donald Trump's presidency (2017-2021 and since 2025). She is the first naturalized citizen to hold the role, the second foreign-born first lady after Louisa Adams, the second Roman Catholic first lady after Jacqueline Kennedy, and the second first lady to serve two nonconsecutive terms after Frances Cleveland. Her background as a model and immigrant sets her apart from previous First Ladies.

Sections (5)

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

1988: Start of spouse polling

In 1988, polling of candidates' spouses began.

January 22, 2005: Donald and Melania's Wedding

On January 22, 2005, Donald and Melania Trump were married at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea church in Palm Beach, Florida, followed by a reception at Donald's Mar-a-Lago estate. Melania planned the event with Preston Bailey, inviting numerous celebrities. Melania's sister, Ines, was her bridesmaid. Melania arranged the details, declining Donald's suggestion to broadcast the wedding on NBC.

March 20, 2006: Birth of Barron William Trump

On March 20, 2006, Melania and Donald Trump's son, Barron William Trump, was born. Melania chose his middle name, and Donald chose his first name. Melania took an active role in raising Barron, reducing her attendance at events with Donald. She preferred to raise him herself with minimal help from nannies.

July 28, 2006: Melania Becomes a U.S. Citizen

On July 28, 2006, Melania Trump became a citizen of the United States. Following this, she sponsored her parents' immigration using the "chain migration" process. Melania and Barron maintain dual citizenship in both the United States and Slovenia, residing primarily at Trump residences with her parents and son.

2016: Unfavorable polling during 2016 election

During the 2016 presidential election, Melania Trump became the only candidate's spouse since polling began in 1988 to have a disapproval rating greater than their approval rating.

2016: Convincing Donald to Run for President

In 2016, Melania Trump convinced Donald Trump to campaign for president. She made it clear she would not be pressured into campaigning and would only make appearances when she wanted. Citing the need to stay home with Barron, she played a small role in the campaign, also reducing her activity on social media.

January 2017: Becoming First Lady

In January 2017, Melania Trump became First Lady of the United States after her husband Donald Trump was inaugurated as president.

January 20, 2017: Decision to Stay in New York

Following Donald Trump's inauguration as president on January 20, 2017, Melania Trump announced she would remain in Manhattan with Barron until the end of his school year. This decision also allowed her to gradually introduce Barron to the White House and negotiate new terms for her prenuptial agreement with Donald.

May 2017: Visit to Vatican City

In May 2017, Melania Trump and Donald Trump visited Vatican City. As a Roman Catholic, Pope Francis blessed Melania's rosary beads, and she placed flowers at a statue of the Madonna at the Vatican's Bambino Gesù children's hospital.

May 2017: Hand-Slapping Incident in Israel

In May 2017, during a visit to Israel, Melania Trump slapped away Donald Trump's hand when he reached for hers after she had fallen behind while walking with him and Benjamin Netanyahu. This incident was the first time press coverage of Melania took notice of an independent streak.

June 11, 2017: Move to the White House

On June 11, 2017, Melania Trump and her son, Barron, moved into the White House. Melania and Donald chose to sleep in separate bedrooms, as they had throughout their marriage. She communicated her activities through video. She primarily spoke about women's and children's issues.

April 2018: Diagnosis with Kidney Disease

In April 2018, Melania Trump learned she had kidney disease and only confided in her parents, husband, and sister about her condition.

April 2018: Increased approval rating amid adultery allegations

In April 2018, Melania Trump's approval rating increased to 57% in a CNN poll after she received public sympathy amid allegations that her husband had committed adultery.

August 9, 2018: Parents Granted American Citizenship

On August 9, 2018, Melania's parents were granted American citizenship, which revitalized accusations of hypocrisy against the Trumps regarding immigration policies.

2018: White House Christmas Decorations

In 2018, Melania Trump planned the White House Christmas decorations. She filled the East Collonnade with red cranberry-laden trees set atop a green carpet, a design that was widely derided.

November 2020: Unveiling of Floor Frame Sculpture

In November 2020, Melania Trump unveiled the abstract sculpture Floor Frame by Isamu Noguchi in the White House Rose Garden. She described it as "embodying themes of resilience and renewal."

2020: Public perception as First Lady

In 2020, Melania Trump's staff was instructed to not answer questions regarding her whereabouts, leading to public rumors about her feelings towards her husband.

2021: End of First Lady tenure and lowest approval rating

In 2021, Melania Trump finished her tenure as the least popular First Lady since polling began with a rating of 42%.

September 2024: Hurricane Helene Hits North Carolina

In September 2024, parts of North Carolina were hit by Hurricane Helene.

November 5, 2024: Donald Trump Wins Election

On November 5, 2024, Donald Trump won the election.

April 21, 2025: White House Easter Egg Roll

On April 21, 2025, Melania Trump and her husband hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll, which attracted a crowd of approximately 40,000 people.

May 2025: Celebration honoring military mothers and unveiling of Barbara Bush postage stamp

In May 2025, Melania Trump hosted a celebration to honor military mothers and also hosted an event where a postage stamp dedicated to former first lady Barbara Bush was unveiled.

June 2025: Attendance at Congressional Picnic and Army Anniversary Parade

In June 2025, Melania Trump attended the 2025 Congressional Picnic and the U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Parade.

July 2025: Hospital Visit and Flood Damage Survey

In July 2025, Melania Trump visited patients at Children's National Hospital, bringing gifts and participating in Independence Day activities with the children. Melania Trump also traveled with President Trump to survey damage following the July 2025 Central Texas floods.

August 2025: Influence on Russo-Ukrainian war policy shift

In August 2025, Melania Trump reportedly influenced President Trump's policy shift on the Russo-Ukrainian war after expressing concern over continued attacks. Following Melania's concern, President Trump issued a 50 day deadline for a ceasefire. Subsequently, Melania Trump authored a letter to President Putin, delivered by President Trump, urging compassion for children affected by the war and calling for peace.

August 2025: Threat to sue Hunter Biden for defamation

In August 2025, Melania Trump threatened to sue Hunter Biden for one billion dollars after Biden claimed that Melania had been introduced to Donald by Jeffrey Epstein. Biden publicly refused to retract his comments.

September 17, 2025: Attended banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla

On September 17, 2025, Melania Trump and President Trump attended a banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

October 2025: Addressed U.S. Navy and facilitated reunion of displaced children

In October 2025, Melania Trump addressed the U.S. Navy for its 250th celebration. Melania Trump also announced that eight children displaced during the Russo-Ukrainian war were reunited with their families following talks with Putin.

October 23, 2025: Reports of reduced presence in Washington, D.C.

On October 23, 2025, CNN reported that Melania Trump was spending less time in Washington, D.C., and employing a smaller staff.

November 2025: Honored as Fox Nation's "Patriot of the Year"

In November 2025, Melania Trump was honored as Fox Nation's "Patriot of the Year" for her work on children's global advocacy.

2025: Legal threats and recall of 'The Rise and Fall of the House of York'

In 2025, following the publication of the book, "The Rise and Fall of the House of York" written by Andrew Lownie, which alleged that Melania Trump had been introduced to Donald Trump by Jeffrey Epstein, Melania Trump strongly objected to the claim and began making legal threats. In October 2025, the book's publisher HarperCollins UK recalled the book and apologized to Melania Trump calling the claim unverified.