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, is the First Lady of the United States, serving non-consecutive terms from 2017 to 2021 and since 2025, as the wife of President Donald Trump. She is the first naturalized citizen to hold the position, the second foreign-born First Lady after Louisa Adams, the second Catholic First Lady after Jacqueline Kennedy, and only the second First Lady after Frances Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms.
April 26, 1970: Melania Trump Born
On April 26, 1970, Melanija Knavs, who would later become Melania Trump, was born. She is the first lady of the United States since 2025 and previously held the role from 2017 to 2021.
1996: Melania immigrates to the United States
In 1996, Melania Knauss immigrated to the United States after being sponsored by Paolo Zampolli.
1996: Moves to Manhattan
In 1996, Melania moved to Manhattan after being encouraged by Paolo Zampolli.
2001: Receives green card
In 2001, Melania received her green card, granting her permanent residency in the United States.
January 22, 2005: Melania and Donald Get Married
On January 22, 2005, Donald and Melania married at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea church in Palm Beach, Florida, followed by a reception at Mar-a-Lago.
2005: Melania and Donald Trump marry
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 the middle name, and Donald chose the first name. Melania insisted on raising Barron herself with minimal help.
July 28, 2006: Became a U.S. Citizen
On July 28, 2006, Melania Trump became a citizen of the United States. She subsequently sponsored her parents for citizenship using "chain migration".
November 2015: First Speaking Appearance
In November 2015, Melania Trump made one of her first speaking appearances after being prompted by Donald to speak to the crowd.
February 2016: Second Speaking Appearance
In February 2016, Melania Trump made another speaking appearance after being prompted by Donald to speak to the crowd.
April 2016: First Scheduled Speech
In April 2016, Melania Trump delivered her first scheduled speech during Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
July 18, 2016: Speech at Republican National Convention
On July 18, 2016, Melania Trump gave a speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention. A paragraph of the speech was found to be plagiarized from Michelle Obama's 2008 speech.
2016: Convinced Donald Trump to Campaign for President
In 2016, Melania convinced Donald Trump to campaign for president. She took a small role in the campaign and cited the need to stay home with her son Barron.
January 20, 2017: Donald Trump's Inauguration
On January 20, 2017, after Donald Trump's inauguration as president, Melania announced she would not immediately move to Washington, D.C., and would instead stay in Manhattan with Barron. She also negotiated her prenuptial agreement.
May 2017: Visit to Vatican City
In May 2017, Melania and Donald Trump visited Vatican City. Melania, as a Catholic, had her rosary beads blessed by Pope Francis and placed flowers at the Madonna statue.
June 11, 2017: Moved into the White House
On June 11, 2017, Melania and her son, Barron, moved into the White House. Melania and Donald Trump chose to sleep in separate bedrooms.
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.
April 2018: Melania Learned About Kidney Disease
In April 2018, Melania Trump learned that she was afflicted with kidney disease, sharing the information only with her parents, husband, and sister.
2018: White House Christmas Decorations Controversy
In 2018, Melania Trump planned the White House Christmas decorations, which were widely derided for their unconventional design.
2021: Leaves White House
In 2021, Melania Trump left the White House, largely staying out of the public view before assuming the role of first lady again in 2025.
2021: End of First Lady Term
In 2021, Melania Trump's term as First Lady of the United States came to an end with the conclusion of Donald Trump's presidency.
September 2024: Hurricane Helene
In September 2024, President Trump and Melania traveled to parts of North Carolina that were hit by Hurricane Helene.
November 5, 2024: Donald Trump Wins Election
On November 5, 2024, Donald Trump won the election.
2024: Michael Cohen's testimony
In 2024, during the trial of Donald J. Trump, Michael Cohen testified that Melania Trump suggested the campaign's response to the Access Hollywood tape should be to characterize the conversation as "locker room talk".
January 2025: Monitor Progress of Fire Rescue Services
In January 2025, President Trump and Melania monitored the progress of fire rescue services for the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.
January 20, 2025: Melania Becomes Second Two-Time Non-Consecutive First Lady
On January 20, 2025, during the 60th United States presidential inauguration, Melania Trump became the second first lady to hold the position two times non-consecutively, after Frances Cleveland.
2025: Assumes First Lady Role
In 2025, Melania Trump assumes the role of First Lady again.
2025: Melania becomes First Lady
In 2025, Melania Trump became the First Lady of the United States again, as the wife of President Donald Trump.
