Melania was 28 years old when she met Donald Trump for the first time in 1998.
Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, was 28 years old when she met Donald Trump in 1998.
At the time, Melania was an established model living in New York City, while Donald Trump, born June 14, 1946, was 52 years old and already a well-known real estate developer and businessman. Their age difference of 24 years became a frequent talking point in the media, but both have said their connection was immediate and genuine.
Melania’s First Meeting With Trump
The two met at a Fashion Week party in September 1998, hosted by Italian businessman Paolo Zampolli at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan. Donald Trump was there with another date but was reportedly captivated by Melania. According to Melania, she initially declined to give him her phone number, asking for his instead.
This sparked their early relationship dynamic — Melania was cautious and independent, while Trump was persistent. The two began dating soon after.
Early Relationship and Public Attention
Their relationship attracted media attention almost immediately. Trump, then recently separated from Marla Maples, was often in the tabloids. Melania, a private and reserved figure, quickly adapted to the spotlight but kept her personal life guarded.
In interviews, she described their courtship as passionate but grounded. “We have great chemistry, but we are also very different,” she said.
Marriage and Family Life
After several years of dating, Melania and Donald Trump became engaged in 2004. They married on January 22, 2005, at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. Their lavish reception at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate featured performances and numerous celebrities.
In March 2006, Melania gave birth to their only child, Barron William Trump.
Melania eventually became a U.S. citizen that same year.
Becoming First Lady
Melania Trump became the First Lady of the United States in January 2017, following Donald Trump’s election victory. As First Lady, she focused on children’s well-being through her “Be Best” initiative, which promoted kindness and raised awareness about cyberbullying and opioid abuse.
Legacy and Public Image
Despite intense public scrutiny, Melania has maintained a calm, composed demeanor. Her relationship with Donald Trump, which began when she was 28, has endured more than two decades, including his presidency and post-White House life.
