History of Melania Trump in Timeline

Melania Trump is a Slovenian-American former model and the current First Lady of the United States (since 2025), a position she also held from 2017 to 2021 during Donald Trump's previous presidency. She holds the distinction of being the first naturalized citizen to become First Lady, the second foreign-born First Lady, the second Roman Catholic First Lady, and 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 of Melanija Knavs

On April 26, 1970, Melanija Knavs was born in Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia).

April 26, 1970: Melania Trump's Birth

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

1982: Start of First Ladies Studies

In 1982, the Siena College Research Institute conducted the first in a series of studies to assess American first ladies. In December 2020, Melania Trump appeared in the fifth such study.

1985: CNN International Debut

In 1985, CNN International debuted and gave Melania's family access to American media which influenced her and provided exposure to global fashion.

1988: Start of Polling

In 1988, polling began for candidate's spouses. In 2016, Melania Trump became the only candidate's spouse since 1988 to have a disapproval rating greater than their approval rating.

1992: Runner-up in Jana Magazine Look of the Year contest

In 1992, Melania Knauss was named runner-up in the Jana Magazine Look of the Year contest.

1993: Portrayal of First Female President

In 1993, Melania portrayed the first female president of the United States during a modeling job.

1995: Meeting Paolo Zampolli

In 1995, Melania met Paolo Zampolli, co-owner of Metropolitan Models, during a scouting trip in Europe.

1996: Immigration to the United States

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

1996: Move to Manhattan

In 1996, Melania moved to Manhattan after being urged by Paolo Zampolli to travel to the United States.

1997: Sexually Explicit Photoshoot for Max

In 1997, Melania was featured in a sexually explicit photo shoot for Max, a French men's magazine, photographed by Alexandre Ale de Basseville. The photos were unpaid, promising Melania exposure in a prominent magazine.

September 1998: Introduction to Donald Trump

In September 1998, Melania was introduced to real estate mogul Donald Trump at a party by Paolo Zampolli.

1998: Meeting Donald Trump

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

February 1999: Appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

In February 1999, Melania appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, photographed by Antoine Verglas.

October 7, 1999: Donald Trump's Reform Party Candidacy Announcement

On October 7, 1999, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the Reform Party presidential nomination with Melania's support. She stated she would be traditional like Betty Ford or Jackie Kennedy if he became president.

1999: Attention After Howard Stern Interview

In 1999, Melania and Donald Trump gained attention after an interview with Howard Stern on his show, where they answered lewd sexual questions.

January 2000: GQ Magazine Feature

In January 2000, Melania was featured in a GQ magazine spread, with images from a shoot that had access to Donald Trump's Boeing 727.

January 2000: Brief Breakup with Donald Trump

In January 2000, it was reported that Melania and Donald Trump had broken up, but they reunited a few months later.

2000: Supporting Donald Trump's Campaign

In 2000, Melania supported Donald Trump during his presidential campaign while he helped her in her modeling career.

2001: Receiving 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 2004: Appearance on The Apprentice

In April 2004, Melania made her first appearance on Donald Trump's game show The Apprentice.

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April 26, 2004: Engagement to Donald Trump

On April 26, 2004, Donald Trump proposed to Melania on her birthday as they were leaving to attend the Met Gala. She also signed his prenuptial agreement without issue.

January 22, 2005: Melania and Donald Trump'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 planned by Melania. The wedding was attended by numerous celebrities.

2005: Access Hollywood tape recorded

In 2005 the Access Hollywood tape was recorded, shortly after their marriage, and it featured audio of Donald making controversial remarks about his treatment of women. The tape was leaked on October 7, a month before the election.

2005: Marriage to Donald Trump

In 2005, Melania Knauss married Donald Trump.

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 took the primary role in raising him, avoiding nannies and limiting her social engagements.

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. The news of this affair became public in January 2018.

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

On July 28, 2006, Melania became a citizen of the United States. After becoming a citizen she sponsored her parents using the "chain migration" immigration process that her husband later repeatedly criticized. Melania and Barron maintain dual citizenship, both in the United States and Slovenia.

2008: Michelle Obama's Speech

In 2008 Michelle Obama gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention from which Melania Trump plagiarized part of her speech on July 18, 2016.

2009: Launch of Melania Jewelry Brand

In 2009, Melania Trump started her own jewelry brand named Melania.

2009: Trademarking of Jewelry Brand

In 2009, Melania trademarked her name, Melania, as a jewelry brand to sell less expensive jewelry pieces on QVC. The jewelry was designed by herself and based on places where she had lived: New York, Palm Beach, and Paris.

2011: Development of Melania Marks Skincare Line

In 2011, Melania developed a line of caviar-infused skincare products under the brand Melania Marks Skincare. Although the brand never launched, a legal case ensued after the company selling the products, New Sunshine, underwent management changes and voided the contract. The case was later settled out of court in Melania's favor.

November 2015: First Speaking Appearance in November 2015

In November 2015 Melania had her earliest speaking appearances, prompted by Donald calling on her to speak to the crowd. She only said a few sentences.

February 2016: Speaking Appearance in February 2016

In February 2016 Melania had one of her earliest speaking appearances, prompted by Donald calling on her to speak to the crowd. She only said a few sentences.

April 2016: First Scheduled Speech

In April 2016 Melania's first scheduled speech during the campaign took place.

July 2016: Publication of Nude Images in New York Post

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

July 18, 2016: Speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention

On July 18, 2016, Melania gave a speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention. A controversy emerged after it became apparent that a paragraph of the speech had been plagiarized from Michelle Obama's speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. It was the only major speech she delivered during the campaign.

2016: Daily Mail Libel Suit

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: Melania Convinces Donald to Run for President

In 2016, Melania convinced Donald to campaign for president. She made it clear that she would not be pressured into campaigning and would only make appearances when she wanted to, playing a relatively small role in the campaign, citing the need to stay home with her son Barron.

2016: Controversies during the 2016 Presidential Campaign

In 2016, during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Melania Trump faced press coverage for erotic photos from her modeling years and for a speech at the Republican National Convention that was found to be plagiarized from a speech by Michelle Obama. She also defended her husband following the release of the Access Hollywood tape.

2016: Unfavorable Approval Rating

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 polling began in 1988 to have such a rating.

2016: Publication of Old Photos by New York Post

In 2016, photos from a 1997 sexually explicit photoshoot of Melania were published by the New York Post.

January 2017: Becoming First Lady

In January 2017, Melania Trump became the First Lady of the United States, with an approval rating of 36 or 37%.

January 20, 2017: Announcement to Stay in Manhattan

After Donald's inauguration as president on January 20, 2017, Melania announced that she would not move to Washington, D.C. with him, instead staying in Manhattan so Barron could finish the school year there. During this time, Melania negotiated new terms for her prenuptial agreement with Donald to reflect the changes in their lives.

March 8, 2017: Hosts First White House Event

On March 8, 2017, Melania hosted her first White House event, a luncheon for International Women's Day. She spoke about her life as a female immigrant and about working towards gender equality.

May 2017: Incident in Israel Highlights Independent Streak

In May 2017, during a visit to Israel, Melania slapped away Donald's hand after he forgot she was walking beside him. This incident led to press coverage noticing her independent streak for the first time.

May 2017: Visit to Vatican City

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

June 11, 2017: Move into the White House

On June 11, 2017, Melania and her son, Barron, moved into the White House. Melania and Donald chose to sleep in separate bedrooms.

2017: Royalties from Getty Images Photos

In 2017 Melania licensed photos from her photoshoots through Getty Images. The Office of Government Ethics reported that she made $100,000 to $1,000,000 in royalties, though other estimates put it at over $10,000,000.

2017: First Term as First Lady

In 2017, Melania Trump assumed the role of First Lady of the United States for the first time, serving until 2021.

April 2018: Increased Approval Rating

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.

April 2018: Melania Diagnosed with Kidney Disease

In April 2018, Melania learned that she was afflicted with kidney disease, sharing this information only with her parents, husband, and sister. She began treatment in May at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

May 7, 2018: Be Best Awareness Campaign Launch

On May 7, 2018, Melania Trump held a press conference at the White House Rose Garden to announce her official public initiative as first lady, the Be Best awareness campaign, focusing on the welfare of children, cyberbullying prevention, and opioid abuse.

August 9, 2018: Melania's Parents Granted American Citizenship

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

October 2018: Melania's Solo Tour of Africa

In October 2018, Melania embarked on a solo tour of Africa, visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt. During the trip, she focused on children's welfare and promoted the United States Agency for International Development. She also faced criticism for her fashion choices.

2018: Challenges as First Lady in 2018

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

2018: White House Christmas Decorations Controversy

In 2018, Melania planned the White House Christmas decorations, filling the East Collonnade with red cranberry-laden trees set atop a green carpet. The design was widely derided, which Melania ascribed to personal taste.

2019: Appearances at the Kennedy Center

In 2019 Melania made her first appearances at the Kennedy Center, as one of her official duties, she was the honorary chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

April 2020: Staff Reorganization

In April 2020, Melania Trump reorganized her staff in anticipation of her husband's reelection campaign, appointing Marcia Lee Kelly as her senior advisor and Emma Doyle as her policy advisor.

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 and role as first lady, coinciding with Wolkoff's tell-all book, 'Melania and Me.'

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

Check it on Amazon

November 2020: Trump Unveils Sculpture in White House Rose Garden

In November 2020 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" in her eponymous memoir.

December 2020: Ranked Worst First Lady

In December 2020, a Siena College Research Institute study ranked Melania Trump as the worst of 40 assessed American first ladies. She received the lowest assessments in all metrics and was considered to have "could have done more" while first lady. Her "Be Best" initiative was ranked the least effective among the ten most-recent first ladies.

2020: Public association with the role of first lady

By 2020, Melania Trump had become more publicly associated with the role of first lady. Although often seen as cold by the public, those who interacted with her described her as a warm presence. During this time, the use of the hashtag #FreeMelania had decreased.

2020: Endorsement of Election Fraud Claims

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

2021: End of Tenure as First Lady

In 2021, Melania Trump finished her tenure as the least popular first lady since polling began, with an approval rating of 42%.

2021: End of First Lady Term

In 2021, Melania Trump's first term as First Lady of the United States came to an end.

2021: Leaving the White House

In 2021, after leaving the White House, Melania Trump largely stayed out of the public view before assuming the role of First Lady again in 2025.

November 2023: Attended Rosalynn Carter Memorial Service

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

July 2024: Increased Visibility and Memoir Announcement

In July 2024, Melania Trump became more visible by releasing a statement following an attempted assassination of her husband and appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention. She also announced her intention to publish a memoir titled 'Melania'.

November 5, 2024: Donald Wins Election

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

December 2024: Filming Commences for Melania Documentary

In December 2024, filming commenced for an upcoming documentary film on Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner and licensed by Amazon MGM Studios for distribution.

2024: Michael Cohen's Testimony

In 2024, Donald's former personal counsel Michael Cohen testified that Donald had privately credited her as having suggested that the campaign's response strategy should best characterize the conversation on the tape as "locker room talk".

2024: Value of $20,000 in 1996

In 2024, it's noted that $20,000 earned by Melania in 1996 is equivalent to $40,000 in 2024.

2024: Melania Stands Behind Nude Modeling Work

In September of 2024, Melania stated she stood 'proudly behind [her] nude modeling work' in a post on X.

January 2025: Amazon Licenses Melania Documentary

In January 2025, Amazon MGM Studios announced that it had licensed an upcoming documentary film on Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner for US$40 million. She will also be an executive producer for the film. Also in January 2025, Melania launched her own cryptocurrency, the $Melania coin.

January 20, 2025: Second Non-Consecutive Term as First Lady Begins

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.

February 2025: White House Tours to Resume

In February 2025, Melania Trump announced that public tours of the White House would resume on the 25th day of the month.

March 3, 2025: Melania's First Solo Appearance as First Lady

On March 3, 2025, Melania Trump made her first solo appearance as first lady for the term by attending a roundtable discussion at Capitol Hill on the Take It Down Act, a bill that could speed the removal of intimate imagery posted online without an individual's consent, or revenge porn.

April 2025: Honored Recipients at International Women of Courage Awards

In April 2025, Melania honored recipients at the annual International Women of Courage Awards and reopened tours of the White House gardens in early bloom.

April 21, 2025: White House Easter Egg Roll Hosted

On April 21, 2025, Melania Trump hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll with her husband, which drew crowds of around 40,000.

May 2025: Hosted Celebration Honoring Military Mothers

In May 2025, Melania hosted a celebration honoring military mothers and an event where a postage stamp dedicated to former first lady Barbara Bush was unveiled. Later that month, she welcomed the children of White House employees for "White House Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day" where she assisted kids in decorating American flags.