History of Melania Trump in Timeline
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.
1982: Siena College First Ladies Studies Began
In December 2020, the Siena College Research Institute released a study surveying scholars and historians on their assessments of American first ladies. It was the fifth such first ladies study that the Institute had conducted since 1982, and the first in which Melania appeared.
1985: CNN International debut gives family access to American media.
In 1985, CNN International's debut gave Melania Trump's family access to American media, which sparked an interest in global fashion for Melanija.
1988: Start of Spouse Polling
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.
1992: Runner-up in Jana Magazine Look of the Year
In 1992, Melania Knauss was named runner-up in the Jana Magazine Look of the Year contest, which offered an international modeling contract to the top three contestants. She signed with RVR Reclame in Milan, but left a few months later.
1993: Melania portrays first female president
In 1993, Melania portrayed the first female president of the United States during a modeling job in Europe.
1995: Melania meets Paolo Zampolli
In 1995, Melania met Paolo Zampolli, co-owner of Metropolitan Models, in Milan.
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.
1997: Explicit Photo Shoot
In 1997, Melania was featured in a sexually explicit photo shoot for Max, a French men's magazine.
September 1998: Melania Meets Donald Trump
In September 1998, Melania met Donald Trump at a party hosted by Paolo Zampolli.
1998: Melania meets Donald Trump
In 1998, Melania Knauss met real estate developer Donald Trump in Manhattan after being introduced by Paolo Zampolli. They started dating shortly afterward.
February 1999: Joins Trump Model Management
In February 1999, Melania became one of the first models recruited to Donald's modeling agency, Trump Model Management.
October 7, 1999: Donald announces candidacy for president
On October 7, 1999, Donald announced his candidacy for the Reform Party presidential nomination, which Melania supported.
1999: Howard Stern Interview
In 1999, Melania and Donald Trump gained attention after an interview with Howard Stern.
January 2000: GQ Magazine Spread
In January 2000, Melania appeared in GQ magazine, with images from a shoot where Donald's Boeing 727 was used.
January 2000: Break up News
In January 2000, news broke that Melania and Donald had broken up. They later reunited.
2000: Melania supports Donald's presidential campaign
In 2000, Melania supported Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.
2001: Receives green card
In 2001, Melania received her green card, granting her permanent residency in the United States.
2002: Melania and Donald Move in Together
In 2002, Melania and Donald moved in together at Trump Tower.
April 2004: Appearance on The Apprentice
In April 2004, Melania made her first appearance on Donald's game show The Apprentice.
April 26, 2004: Donald proposes to Melania
On April 26, 2004, Donald proposed to Melania on her birthday as they were leaving to attend the Met Gala.
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.
2005: Access Hollywood tape recorded
In 2005, the Access Hollywood tape was recorded, featuring controversial remarks by Donald Trump. The tape was leaked in October 2016.
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 2006: Alleged Stormy Daniels Affair
In July 2006, the alleged affair between Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels reportedly occurred.
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".
2008: Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention
In 2008, Michelle Obama delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention, parts of which were later plagiarized by Melania Trump in 2016.
2009: Melania starts her jewelry brand
In 2009, Melania Trump started her own jewelry brand, called Melania.
2009: Trademarked "Melania" as Jewelry Brand
In 2009, Melania trademarked her name "Melania" as a jewelry brand and began selling jewelry on QVC, intentionally avoiding the "Trump" name in her branding.
2011: Developed Melania Marks Skincare Line
In 2011, Melania developed a caviar-infused skincare line called Melania Marks Skincare, which was never launched and led to a legal dispute that was later settled out of court in her favor.
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 2016: Nude Images Published
In July 2016, nude images of Melania Trump were published on the front page of the New York Post, leading her to retreat from public view for two months.
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: Higher Disapproval Rating than Approval Rating
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: Contrast to 2020 Campaign Activity
In 2016 Melania was not an active campaigner, which was a contrast to her increased activity in 2020 during her husband's reelection bid.
2016: Lawsuit Against the Daily Mail
In 2016, Melania Trump sued the Daily Mail for libel after it alleged that she had worked for an escort agency, later changing the suit to emotional distress.
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.
2016: Photos Published by New York Post
In 2016, Melania's 1997 sexually explicit photo shoot was published by the New York Post.
2016: Controversies during 2016 election
In 2016, during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Melania Trump faced press coverage for erotic photos and plagiarism accusations regarding a speech at the Republican National Convention.
January 2017: Approval Rating Before Becoming First Lady
In the months leading up to becoming first lady in January 2017, Melania Trump's approval rating stood at 36 or 37%.
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.
March 8, 2017: Hosted International Women's Day Luncheon
On March 8, 2017, Melania Trump hosted her first White House event, a luncheon for International Women's Day, where she spoke about gender equality.
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.
May 2017: Incident in Israel
In May 2017, during a visit to Israel, Melania slapped away Donald Trump's hand after he forgot she was beside him, marking the beginning of press coverage about her independent streak.
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.
2017: Licensed Photos for Royalties
In 2017, Melania Trump licensed photos from her photoshoots through Getty Images, earning between $100,000 to $1,000,000 in royalties.
January 2018: Stormy Daniels Scandal
In January 2018, news broke of an alleged affair between Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels, leading to Melania reducing her public appearances.
April 2018: Approval Rating Increase
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 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.
May 7, 2018: Be Best Awareness Campaign Launch
On May 7, 2018, Melania Trump announced her official public initiative as first lady, the "Be Best" awareness campaign, in the White House Rose Garden. The initiative aimed to support the welfare of children, advocate against cyberbullying, and prevent 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 due to Donald Trump's stance against chain migration.
October 2018: Melania Trump's Solo Tour of Africa
In October 2018, Melania Trump undertook a solo tour of Africa, visiting Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt. She spent time with children in schools, orphanages, and hospitals, promoted relief work, and faced criticism for her fashion choices and comments.
2018: White House Christmas Decorations Controversy
In 2018, Melania Trump planned the White House Christmas decorations, which were widely derided for their unconventional design.
2018: Criticism of 'Zero Tolerance' Policy
In 2018, Melania Trump was openly critical of her husband's "zero tolerance" policy of denying asylum at the Mexico–United States border, where children were being separated from their parents.
2018: Challenges as First Lady in 2018
In 2018, as First Lady, Melania Trump faced allegations about her husband's extramarital affairs, underwent surgery for kidney disease, and received scrutiny during a tour of Africa.
October 2019: Justice Department Civil Suit
In October 2019, The Justice Department filed a civil suit against Winston Wolkoff, alleging breach of a nondisclosure agreement.
2019: First Kennedy Center Appearance
In 2019, Melania Trump made her first appearances at the Kennedy Center as the honorary chair.
2019: Be Best Campaign Criticism
In 2019, the "Be Best" campaign drew criticism for perceived hypocrisy, challenging cyberbullying while Donald Trump was known for attacking people online, and after Donald Trump criticized Greta Thunberg, days after Melania had criticized Pamela Karlan for invoking Barron.
April 2020: Staff Reorganization in Anticipation of Reelection Campaign
In April 2020, Melania Trump carried out a major reorganization of her staff in anticipation of her husband's reelection campaign.
October 1, 2020: Release of Audiotapes Featuring Melania
On October 1, 2020, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff released audiotapes featuring Melania Trump making profane statements about her image and role as first lady, along with her tell-all book, "Melania and Me".
November 2020: Unveiled Floor Frame Sculpture
In November 2020, Melania Trump unveiled the Floor Frame sculpture by Isamu Noguchi in the White House Rose Garden.
December 2020: Study Ranks Melania Last Among First Ladies
In December 2020, the Siena College Research Institute released a study ranking Melania Trump as the worst of 40 assessed American first ladies.
2020: Leaked Tapes Defending Some Border Practices
In 2020, Leaked tapes featured Melania making statements defending some of the practices, expressing grief about family separation but questioning the validity of asylum claims and dismissing concerns that children were kept in substandard conditions.
2020: Endorsed False Claims
In 2020, Melania endorsed her husband's false claims of election fraud in the presidential election.
2020: Endorsement of False Election Statement
In 2020, despite Donald Trump's loss of the election, Melania Trump ended her tenure by endorsing his false statement that he had been the legitimate election winner.
February 2021: Civil Suit Dropped
In February 2021, the civil suit against Winston Wolkoff was dropped under the Biden administration.
2021: 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: 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 2022: Melania's Interview with Breitbart News
In September 2022, Melania Trump stated in an interview with Breitbart News that the audiotapes had been strategically edited to make people believe that her duties in the White House had been unimportant to her.
November 2023: Attendance at Rosalynn Carter's Memorial Service
In November 2023, Melania Trump attended the memorial service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
2023: Equivalent of $20,000 in 1996 = $39,000 in 2023
The $20,000 that Melania earned in 1996 for accepting modeling jobs when her travel visa did not allow her to work, would be equivalent to $39,000 in 2023.
July 2024: Increased Visibility and Memoir Announcement
In July 2024, Melania Trump became more visible by releasing a statement following the attempted assassination of her husband, appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention, and announcing her memoir, titled "Melania".
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.
December 2024: Filming Started on Melania Documentary
In December 2024, filming started on an upcoming documentary film on Melania Trump.
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".
2024: Proudly Behind Nude Modeling
In September of 2024, Melania Trump said that she stood 'proudly behind [her] nude modeling work' in a post on X.
January 2025: Amazon MGM Studios announced licensing of documentary
In January 2025, Amazon MGM Studios announced that it had licensed an upcoming documentary film on Melania Trump.
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.
February 2025: Resumption of White House Public Tours
In February 2025, Melania Trump announced that public tours of the White House would resume on the 25th day of the month.
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.
