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 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

April 26, 1970: Birth in Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia

On April 26, 1970, Melanija Knavs was born in Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia, which is now part of present-day Slovenia.

April 26, 1970: Melania Trump Born

On April 26, 1970, Melanija Knavs, later known as Melania Knauss Trump, was born. She is a Slovenian and American former model who served as the First Lady of the United States.

1985: Influence of the United States

In 1985, the debut of CNN International gave Melania and her family access to American media, influencing her with global fashion.

1996: Immigration to the United States

In 1996, Melania Knauss immigrated to the United States after being sponsored by Paolo Zampolli, who hired her to work as a model.

1996: Move to Manhattan

In 1996, Melania moved to Manhattan to pursue her modeling career, encouraged by Paolo Zampolli.

September 1998: Meeting Donald Trump at a party

In September 1998, Melania met Donald Trump at a party organized by Paolo Zampolli, despite Donald having a date with Celina Midelfart.

1998: Meeting Donald Trump

In 1998, Melania Knauss met real estate developer Donald Trump in Manhattan, after being introduced by Paolo Zampolli. Shortly afterward, Melania and Donald began dating.

2001: Melania receives green card

In 2001, Melania received her green card, granting her permanent residency in the United States.

2002: Moving in together at Trump Tower

In 2002, Melania and Donald Trump moved in together at Trump Tower.

April 26, 2004: Engagement to Donald Trump

On April 26, 2004, Donald Trump proposed to Melania on her birthday while they were leaving to attend the Met Gala. She accepted and signed his prenuptial agreement.

January 22, 2005: Donald and Melania 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 planned by Melania. The wedding was attended by numerous celebrities. Melania had her sister Ines as her bridesmaid and arranged all wedding details, declining Donald's suggestion to broadcast the event on NBC.

2005: Marriage to Donald Trump

In 2005, Melania Knauss and Donald Trump married.

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 Barron's middle name and dedicated her time to raising him, largely avoiding nannies and limiting her social engagements, which led to Donald's renewed interest in supermodels.

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

On July 28, 2006, Melania Trump became a citizen of the United States. Subsequently, she sponsored her parents' immigration through the "chain migration" process. Melania and her son, Barron, maintained dual citizenship in both the United States and Slovenia.

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.

January 20, 2017: Melania Stays in New York After Donald's Inauguration

On January 20, 2017, after Donald Trump's inauguration, Melania announced she would remain in Manhattan with their son Barron until the end of the school year. During this time, she also negotiated new terms for her prenuptial agreement with Donald to ensure Barron's inheritance.

2017: Melania becomes First Lady

In 2017, Melania Trump became the First Lady of the United States for the first time as the wife of President Donald Trump.

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.

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.

2020: Endorsement of election fraud claims

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

2021: End of First Lady tenure

In 2021, Melania Trump's first tenure as First Lady of the United States came to an end with the conclusion of Donald Trump's presidency.

2021: Leaving the White House

In 2021, after leaving the White House, Melania largely stayed out of the public view.

November 2023: Attendance at Rosalynn Carter's memorial service

In November 2023, Melania Trump attended the memorial service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

September 2024: Hurricane Helene hits North Carolina

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene hit parts of North Carolina, leading Melania Trump to travel with President Trump to the affected areas in January 2025.

November 5, 2024: Donald wins election

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

January 2025: Southern California Wildfires

In January 2025, Melania Trump traveled with President Trump to Southern California to monitor the progress of fire rescue services due to the wildfires.