Melania Trump’s story, from a small town in Slovenia to the White House, is one of perseverance and adaptability. As the wife of former President Donald Trump, she has stepped into the role of First Lady twice, all while maintaining a strong connection to her Slovenian roots and family values. Recently, her actions have once again captured the public’s attention, highlighting her elegance, empathy, and dedication to her heritage.
Born Melania Knauss in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, on April 26, 1970, Melania grew up in the quaint town of Sevnica. Her father, Viktor, was a mechanic and chauffeur, while her mother, Amalija, worked as a pattern-maker in a clothing factory. Amalija’s love for design had a lasting impact on Melania, who often wore clothes made by her mother and sister, Ines. Melania has described her childhood as “wonderful,” crediting her parents with teaching her the importance of education, hard work, and family values.
Melania’s rise to global recognition started unexpectedly at the age of 16 when fashion photographer Stane Jerko noticed her outside a fashion show. He was struck by her tall, slim figure and quiet demeanor and saw potential in her. His intuition proved right, and Melania soon entered the world of modeling, making her way to New York City in 1996 to pursue her dreams. Despite facing challenges, she built a successful career, living in a shared apartment and gradually advancing in a highly competitive industry.
Two years after moving to New York, Melania’s life took a turn when she met Donald Trump. Their relationship blossomed, and after marrying, Melania chose to focus on raising their son, Barron. Despite her new life in the U.S., her Slovenian heritage remained an important part of her identity, with her parents relocating to the U.S. to be closer to their daughter and grandson. Barron spent much of his childhood with his grandparents and even became fluent in Slovenian, a skill he later demonstrated in videos that resurfaced following Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential win.
The passing of Melania’s mother, Amalija, in January 2024, marked a profoundly emotional moment for her. Melania referred to her mother as a “second mother” to Barron, emphasizing the deep connection they shared. Amalija’s move to the U.S. allowed her to be actively involved in Barron’s upbringing, particularly during Melania’s demanding time as First Lady.
Although Melania has lived in the U.S. for many years, she has remained connected to her Slovenian roots. Recently, she was praised for her compassionate gesture of speaking to a wildfire victim in Los Angeles in Slovenian. Many on social media applauded her for showing empathy and honoring her heritage, with one user commenting, “When we speak to people in their native tongue, they feel heard, they feel listened to, they feel the love.”
Melania’s time as First Lady has certainly been marked by controversy. During Donald Trump’s first term, she faced backlash for wearing a jacket that read “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” while visiting a migrant housing facility in Texas. The incident sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning her motives. She later clarified that the jacket was a response to her critics and the media, not a reflection of her feelings toward the children she was visiting.
As Melania looks ahead to a possible second term as First Lady, she continues to balance her life in the U.S. with her strong ties to her Slovenian heritage, all while prioritizing family and philanthropy. Whether through her work as a mother, her advocacy, or her role as First Lady, Melania Trump remains a polarizing figure. Her journey, shaped by resilience and transformation, has made a lasting impact on the public.
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