History of Melania Trump in Timeline

Melania Trump is a Slovenian-American former model who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021 and again starting in 2025. Married to President Donald Trump, she is the first naturalized U.S. citizen to hold the position of First Lady. She is also the second foreign-born First Lady, following Louisa Adams, and only the second Roman Catholic First Lady after Jacqueline Kennedy. Furthermore, she's the second First Lady to serve two non-consecutive terms, after Frances Cleveland.

Sections (5)

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

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: Siena College Research Institute's first ladies study

In 1982, the Siena College Research Institute conducted one of its first studies of First Ladies. The study also happened in December 2020.

1985: Debut of CNN International

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

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

In 1992, Melania was named runner-up in the Jana Magazine Look of the Year contest, which promised its top three contestants an international modeling contract. She signed with RVR Reclame in Milan, but she left the organization a few months later.

1993: Portrayal of First Female President

In 1993, Melania portrayed the first female president of the United States during one of her modeling jobs in Europe.

1995: Meeting Paolo Zampolli

In 1995, Melania met Metropolitan Models co-owner Paolo Zampolli, who was on a scouting trip in Europe, in Milan. Zampolli would later become a long time friend and play an important role in her life.

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 upon the urging of Paolo Zampolli, where he said he would like to represent her.

1997: Sexually Explicit Photo Shoot

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

September 1998: Meeting 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. Paolo Zampolli introduced them and they began dating shortly thereafter.

February 1999: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

In February 1999, Melania appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The photo shoot, which featured her in a bikini alongside a large inflatable whale, was run by Antoine Verglas, an associate of Zampolli's.

October 7, 1999: Donald Trump Announces Candidacy

On October 7, 1999, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the Reform Party presidential nomination, with Melania supporting the move.

1999: Howard Stern Interview

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

January 2000: GQ Magazine Spread

In January 2000, Melania was featured in a GQ magazine spread. The shoot accessed Donald Trump's Boeing 727 due to their relationship. Donald had lobbied for her inclusion in the spread.

January 2000: Brief Breakup with Donald Trump

In January 2000, news broke that Melania and Donald Trump had broken up, though they reunited a few months later.

2000: Support for Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign

In 2000, Melania Knauss supported Donald Trump during his presidential campaign while he helped her get more modeling jobs.

2001: Green Card Acquisition

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

2002: Move to 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.

January 22, 2005: Donald and Melania Trump's Wedding

On January 22, 2005, Donald Trump and Melania Knauss 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 meticulously planned the wedding with Preston Bailey, and the event was attended by numerous celebrities. Melania had her sister Ines as her only bridesmaid, and she declined Donald's suggestion to broadcast the wedding on NBC.

2005: Marriage to Donald Trump

In 2005, Melania Knauss and Donald Trump married.

2005: Access Hollywood Tape Recorded

In 2005, the Access Hollywood tape was recorded, featuring Donald Trump making controversial remarks about his treatment of women. The tape was leaked on October 7, 2016, a month before the election.

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, William, while Donald chose his first name, Barron. Melania was active in Barron's life, raising him without nannies and accordingly spent less time attending events with her husband.

July 2006: Alleged Extramarital Affair

In July 2006, it was alleged that Donald Trump had an extramarital affair with Stormy Daniels after his marriage to Melania and the birth of their son.

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

On July 28, 2006, Melania 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 the United States and Slovenia, and she spends most of her time at Trump residences with her parents and son.

2008: Michelle Obama's Speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 2008, Michelle Obama gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention, which was later partially plagiarized in Melania Trump's 2016 Republican National Convention speech.

2009: Launch of Jewelry Brand

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

2009: Melania Trademarks Her Name

In 2009, Melania trademarked her name, Melania, to launch a jewelry brand sold on QVC. She intentionally avoided using the Trump name. The jewelry designs were inspired by New York, Palm Beach, and Paris. Over the following years, she released additional Melania collections, and they sold out each time.

2011: Melania Develops Skincare Line

In 2011, Melania developed a line of caviar-infused skincare products under the brand Melania Marks Skincare, which was never launched. A legal case arose when New Sunshine, the company selling the products, voided the contract due to management changes, alleging a sweetheart deal was given to the Trumps. Melania sued the company for $50 million in lost revenue, and the case was settled out of court in her favor.

November 2015: Melania's Earliest Campaign Speaking Appearances

In November 2015, Melania Trump made her earliest speaking appearances during Donald Trump's campaign. Donald called on her to address the crowd, and she only said a few sentences.

February 2016: Melania's Early Campaign Speaking Appearance

In February 2016, Melania Trump made one of her earliest speaking appearances during Donald Trump's campaign. Donald called on her to address the crowd, and she only said a few sentences.

April 2016: Melania's First Scheduled Speech During the Campaign

In April 2016, Melania Trump gave her first scheduled speech during Donald Trump's presidential campaign. This marked a significant moment in her involvement with the campaign.

July 2016: Publication of Nude Images in the New York Post

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

July 18, 2016: Melania's Speech at the Republican National Convention

On July 18, 2016, Melania Trump gave a speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention, which sparked controversy after a paragraph was found to be plagiarized from Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Convention speech. Melania said she wrote the speech herself with as little help as possible. Trump staff writer Meredith McIver took responsibility for the misunderstanding two days later. The speech also included details about her family in Slovenia and her early modeling career.

2016: Melania Convinces Donald to Run for President

In 2016, Melania Trump convinced Donald Trump to campaign for president. She made it clear that she would not be pressured into campaigning or attending events, and that she would only make appearances when she wanted to. Melania played a relatively small role in the campaign, citing the need to stay home with her son Barron. Her daily routine was altered by the campaign, and she became less active on social media.

2016: Campaign Controversies and Defense of Donald Trump

In 2016, Melania Trump received press coverage during Donald Trump's presidential campaign when erotic photos from her modeling years were published, and a speech she gave at the Republican National Convention was found to be plagiarized. She also defended her husband after the release of the Access Hollywood tape.

2016: Melania Sues the Daily Mail for Libel

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: Unfavorable approval rating during election

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 1988 to have this distinction.

2016: Publication of Old Photos

In 2016, photos from a 1997 sexually explicit photo shoot for Max magazine were published by the New York Post, bringing the photos back into the public eye.

January 2017: Approval rating before becoming first lady

In January 2017, leading up to becoming First Lady, Melania Trump's approval rating stood at 36 or 37%.

January 20, 2017: Inauguration and Decision to Stay in Manhattan

After Donald Trump's inauguration as president on January 20, 2017, Melania Trump announced that she would not move to Washington, D.C. with him, instead staying in Manhattan. This was to allow Barron to finish the school year there and to introduce him to the White House gradually. During this time, Melania negotiated new terms for her prenuptial agreement with Donald to reflect the changes in their lives since it was signed and to ensure that Barron received a suitable inheritance.

March 8, 2017: Melania Hosts International Women's Day Luncheon

On March 8, 2017, Melania Trump hosted her first White House event, a luncheon for International Women's Day. She spoke to an audience of women about her life as a female immigrant and about working towards gender equality both domestically and abroad, noting the role of education as a tool against gender inequality.

May 2017: Incident in Israel

During a visit to Israel in May 2017, Melania Trump received public attention when Donald Trump forgot that she was by his side and she fell behind the group while walking with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She slapped away his hand when he reached out to grab hers. This event marked the first time press coverage of Melania took notice of an independent streak.

May 2017: Trump's Visit to Vatican City

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

June 11, 2017: Melania and Barron Move into 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. In her first year, Melania gave only eight speeches, and she communicated her activities through video. Most of Melania's appearances as first lady in 2017 were in Manhattan and Washington, and she typically spoke about women's and children's issues.

2017: First Term as First Lady

In 2017, Melania Trump first became the First Lady of the United States, serving alongside her husband, President Donald Trump.

2017: Melania Licenses Photos Through Getty Images

In 2017, to protect use of her image and maintain an income, Melania Trump licensed photos from her photoshoots through Getty Images. She received royalties for each use. The Office of Government Ethics reported that she made $100,000 to $1,000,000 in royalties.

January 2018: Affair Scandal Erupts

In January 2018, a scandal broke when it was alleged that Donald Trump had an affair with Stormy Daniels. Melania Trump's public appearances became infrequent, and she canceled events, including the State of the Union Address. Michael Cohen expressed regret for lying to Melania about arranging the silencing of the affair.

April 2018: Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

In April 2018, Melania Trump learned that she was afflicted with kidney disease and only shared the information with her parents, husband, and sister.

April 2018: Increase in approval rating

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

May 7, 2018: Be Best Campaign Launch

On May 7, 2018, Melania Trump held a press conference to announce her 'Be Best' awareness campaign, aimed at supporting children's welfare, advocating against cyberbullying, and preventing opioid abuse.

August 9, 2018: Parents Granted American Citizenship

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

October 2018: Africa Tour and Criticism

In October 2018, Melania Trump toured Africa, visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt, focusing on children's welfare and touting USAID's relief work. She faced criticism for her fashion choices and responded by saying she was "the most bullied person in the world".

2018: Challenges as First Lady

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

2018: Melania Plans White House Christmas Decorations

In 2018, Melania Trump personally involved herself in the decorations and planning within the White House. One of her most ambitious projects was planning the White House Christmas decorations. She filled the East Collonnade with red cranberry-laden trees set atop a green carpet. The design was widely derided, which Melania ascribed to personal taste.

2018: Critical of 'Zero Tolerance' Policy

In 2018, Melania Trump was openly critical of her husband's 'zero tolerance' policy at the Mexico-United States border, which separated children from their parents, and influenced his decision to end it.

2019: Appearances at the Kennedy Center

In 2019, Melania Trump, as the honorary chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, made her first appearances at the Kennedy Center due to political tension with the arts communities.

2019: Criticism for Hypocrisy

In 2019, the 'Be Best' campaign drew criticism for perceived hypocrisy due to Donald Trump's online attacks, particularly after he criticized Greta Thunberg. Melania's office defended the different communication styles between spouses.

April 2020: Staff Reorganization

In April 2020, Melania Trump reorganized her staff, appointing Marcia Lee Kelly as her senior advisor and Emma Doyle as her policy advisor, and becoming an active campaigner for her husband.

October 1, 2020: Release of Audiotapes

On October 1, 2020, audiotapes featuring Melania Trump making profane statements about her role as first lady were released by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff alongside a 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: 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" in her eponymous memoir.

December 2020: Ranked worst first lady in study

In December 2020, a study by the Siena College Research Institute ranked Melania Trump as the worst of 40 assessed American first ladies. The study also found that she was perceived as the first lady who "could have done more" and that her "Be Best" initiative was ranked the least-effective signature initiative among 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, which contrasted with her earlier efforts to protect her privacy.

2020: Endorsement of Election Fraud Claims

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

2020: Endorsing False Election Claims

In 2020, despite Donald Trump's election loss, Melania Trump endorsed his false statement that he had won the election. She focused on compiling photo albums of White House decorations and renovations, and did not immediately comment on the January 6 Capitol attack.

2021: Finished tenure as least popular first lady

In 2021, Melania Trump finished her tenure as the least popular first lady since polling began, with a 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: Departure from the White House

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

November 2023: Attended Rosalynn Carter's Memorial Service

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

July 2024: More Visible in July 2024

In July 2024, Melania became more visible after the attempted assassination of her husband and appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention, though she declined to speak. She also announced her intention to publish a memoir, titled 'Melania'.

September 2024: North Carolina Visit

In September 2024, Melania Trump traveled with President Trump 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.

December 2024: Filming Started for Documentary

In December 2024, filming started for an upcoming documentary film on Melania, directed by Brett Ratner, who is also an executive producer.

2024: Michael Cohen's Testimony in The People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump Trial

In 2024, during The People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump trial, Donald Trump's former personal counsel, Michael Cohen, testified that Donald Trump had privately credited Melania Trump as having suggested that the campaign's response strategy should best characterize the conversation on the Access Hollywood tape as "locker room talk".

2024: Defense of Nude Modeling

In September of 2024, Melania posted on X that she stood 'proudly behind [her] nude modeling work'

2024: Equivalent Value of Earnings

Melania accepted ten modeling jobs that earned her approximately $20,000, which is equivalent to $40,000 in 2024.

January 2025: Documentary Film and Cryptocurrency Launch

In January 2025, Amazon MGM Studios announced that it had licensed an upcoming documentary film on Melania, and she launched her own cryptocurrency, the $Melania coin.

January 2025: Southern California Wildfires Visit

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

January 20, 2025: Second Tenure as 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.

February 2025: Announcement of White House Tours Resumption

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: 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'.

April 2025: Honoring Recipients at the International Women of Courage Awards and Reopened Tours of White House Gardens

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