Melania Trump: A Closer Look At The Former First Lady

How Wealthy is Melania Trump?

Let’s dive into the financial side of Melania Trump. Born Melanija Knavs in Slovenia, Melania has carved out an impressive career and life that’s seen her accumulate a net worth of $50 million. Melania’s journey to fame began as a model, but her life changed forever when she became the third wife of Donald Trump in 2005. As the former First Lady of the United States, Melania’s role extended beyond her personal brand and into the spotlight of American politics.

While Melania’s fame grew alongside her husband’s presidency, she’s also a successful entrepreneur. Her ventures have included jewelry lines, skincare collections, and even appearances in Hollywood films. For instance, she played herself in the quirky hit movie "Zoolander" in 2001. Fans also remember her appearances on "The Apprentice," her husband’s reality TV show. Her career as a model took her to iconic locations like Paris and Milan, and she graced the covers of top magazines such as "Vogue" and "Harper’s Bazaar." However, her tenure as First Lady wasn’t without controversy. In 2016, Melania faced backlash over her Republican National Convention speech, which some said echoed parts of Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech.

Her Roots: Early Life in Slovenia

Melania’s journey began in Novo Mesto, SR Slovenia, where she was born on April 26, 1970. Her parents, Amalija and Viktor Knavs, provided a stable upbringing. Amalija worked as a patternmaker for a children’s clothing manufacturer, while Viktor managed car and motorcycle dealerships. From a young age, Melania was immersed in the world of fashion, participating in shows for her mother’s employer, Jutranjka. Growing up in Sevnica, she shared a home with her sister, Ines, though she also has a half-brother she’s never met.

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Religion played a significant role in Melania’s upbringing. Despite her father’s ties to the League of Communists of Slovenia, which promoted state atheism, Melania and her sister were baptized as Catholics. Her education included studying at Ljubljana's Secondary School of Design and Photography. Melania later enrolled at the University of Ljubljana to study design and architecture but decided to leave after just a year to pursue her modeling dreams.

Building a Career: From Runways to Royalties

Melania’s career began early—she started modeling at the age of five. By the time she was 16, she was already working with renowned Slovenian fashion photographer Stane Jerko and appearing in commercials. At 18, Melania signed with a Milan modeling agency, setting the stage for her international rise. In 1992, she became a runner-up in Jana Magazine’s "Look of the Year" competition, further boosting her profile.

Her big break came in 1995 when she met Paolo Zampolli, co-owner of Metropolitan Models. Zampolli offered her representation if she moved to the U.S. Soon after, Melania relocated to Manhattan, where she lived with photographer Matthew Atanian. This move marked the beginning of her American adventure. Her portfolio quickly expanded, and she appeared on the cover of "GQ" in January 2000, wearing nothing but diamonds. Melania also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a jewelry line with QVC in 2010 called Melania Timepieces & Jewelry. However, her skincare line faced challenges, and the manufacturers cut ties in 2017. Despite these setbacks, her business ventures earned her royalties totaling between $15,000 and $50,000 in 2016.

First Lady of the United States

On January 20, 2017, Melania became the First Lady of the United States, adopting the Secret Service code name "Muse." However, she didn’t move into the White House immediately, waiting until June 11 to ensure her son Barron could finish the school year at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School. Melania’s role as First Lady was unique; she was only the second in U.S. history to be born outside the country (the first being London-born Louisa Adams). Her first White House event was an International Women’s Day luncheon in March 2017, where she spoke passionately about gender equality and her personal experiences as a female immigrant.

Her "Be Best" campaign focused on preventing online bullying, though it drew criticism given her husband’s often contentious Twitter presence. Melania also played a key role in planning a state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron in April 2018. During this time, she also embarked on a solo tour of four African nations, engaging in meaningful activities such as feeding baby elephants and visiting schools. Melania addressed the controversial "Zero Tolerance" policy that led to the separation of immigrant families, stating her desire for compassionate immigration reform. In June 2018, she visited the Upbring New Hope Children’s Shelter in McAllen, Texas, meeting with staff and advocating for family reunification.

Her Personal Journey

Melania’s personal life took a significant turn when she met Donald Trump at a party in 1998. The couple married on January 22, 2005, in a lavish ceremony where Melania wore a $200,000 Christian Dior gown. Their son, Barron, was born on March 20, 2006, and baptized at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, the same location where they exchanged vows. Melania became a permanent U.S. resident in 2001 and officially an American citizen in 2006. In 2018, she underwent treatment for a benign kidney condition at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

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Melania has not shied away from legal battles. In February 2017, she filed a $150 million lawsuit against the British tabloid "Daily Mail" for alleging she worked as an escort during her modeling years. Though she initially claimed the article cost her "multimillion dollar business relationships," she later focused on the emotional distress it caused. By April 2017, the "Daily Mail" retracted the claims, and the lawsuit was settled for $2.9 million.

Real Estate Ventures

In January 2016, Melania purchased a 1-bedroom apartment on the 33rd floor of Trump Tower for $1.5 million. This acquisition raised eyebrows, as the Trumps already owned a massive penthouse spanning the 66th, 67th, and 68th floors of the building. Speculation suggested Melania might have intended the smaller apartment to serve as a library. Whether for personal use or as part of her broader real estate portfolio, this purchase highlighted Melania’s continued involvement in the luxury real estate market.