Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia), is a Slovenian-American former model, businesswoman, and the former First Lady of the United States. As the wife of Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th U.S. President, Melania has carved out a unique place in the public eye, balancing a private persona with high-profile responsibilities. With an estimated net worth of $50–$70 million, her journey from a small-town upbringing to international fame is a story of ambition, resilience, and strategic reinvention. This article explores her net worth, biography, career, hometown, and current relationship status.
Early Life and Hometown
Melania grew up in Sevnica, a modest town in Slovenia, where her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car dealer, and her mother, Amalija, was employed in the textile industry. Raised alongside her sister, Ines, and with a half-brother, Denis Cigelnjak, from her father’s previous relationship, Melania’s childhood was rooted in a working-class environment. Despite her father’s affiliation with the League of Communists of Slovenia, which promoted state atheism, Melania and Ines were baptized as Catholics. At 15, she moved to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, to attend the Secondary School for Design and Photography, commuting daily by train. She later enrolled at the University of Ljubljana to study design and architecture but left after a year to pursue modeling full-time. Her hometown of Sevnica has since embraced her fame, developing a small tourism industry around Melania-themed merchandise, though she remains protective of her name and likeness.
Career: From Modeling to First Lady
Melania’s career began at age five when she participated in fashion shows for her mother’s employer, Jutranjka. Discovered at 16 by Slovenian photographer Stane Jerko, she started modeling professionally, appearing in commercials and photoshoots. At 18, she signed with a Milan-based agency, working in fashion capitals like Paris and Milan. In 1996, she moved to New York City, facilitated by Paolo Zampolli of Metropolitan Models, and adopted the Germanized name Melania Knauss. Her modeling career flourished, landing her on the covers of prestigious magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Glamour, and the 2000 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She also appeared in a 2000 GQ cover shoot and made a cameo in the 2001 film Zoolander.
Beyond modeling, Melania ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2010, she launched Melania Timepieces and Jewelry with QVC, reportedly earning $15,000–$50,000 annually in royalties. She also developed a caviar-based skincare line, though it faced business challenges and ceased operations by 2017. As First Lady (2017–2021; 2025–present), Melania stepped back from business to focus on her Be Best initiative, which addressed children’s well-being, cyberbullying, and education. Her tenure was marked by a low-profile approach, with only eight speeches in her first year and a preference for private White House quarters. She made international trips, including a solo visit to Africa in 2018, and frequently visited children’s hospitals, reflecting her commitment to youth welfare. In 2024, she released a memoir, MELANIA, which became a New York Times bestseller, further contributing to her income.
Net Worth
Melania Trump’s net worth is estimated to range between $50 million and $70 million, derived primarily from her modeling career, business ventures, and real estate investments. Her modeling work in Europe and the U.S. laid the foundation for her wealth, with high-profile campaigns and magazine covers boosting her earnings. Her jewelry line and skincare products added to her fortune, though both businesses are no longer active. A notable legal settlement in 2017 against the Daily Mail for libel, which falsely claimed she worked as an escort, resulted in a $2.9 million payout, further bolstering her finances. Additionally, Melania purchased a $1.5 million one-bedroom apartment in Trump Tower in 2016, speculated to be used as a library, adding to her real estate portfolio. Reports suggest she renegotiated her marriage contract in 2023 to protect her financial interests amid Donald Trump’s legal challenges, ensuring a substantial inheritance for their son, Barron.
Current Relationship
Melania married Donald Trump on January 22, 2005, in a lavish ceremony at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, attended by notable figures like Hillary Clinton. Their wedding, featuring a $100,000 Christian Dior dress and a $1.5 million engagement ring, set a tone of extravagance. The couple has one son, Barron, born in 2006, and Melania became a U.S. citizen that same year. Their relationship began in 1998 at a New York event, though it faced early turbulence when Melania briefly ended things after seeing Donald’s ex-girlfriend leaving Trump Tower. They reconciled quickly, moved in together in 2002, and got engaged in 2004.
As of 2025, Melania and Donald remain married, with Melania resuming her role as First Lady following Donald’s second presidential term. Despite public scrutiny and allegations of Donald’s infidelity, Melania has maintained a stoic demeanor, focusing on her family and public duties. She reportedly provides input on Donald’s public image, advising on staff decisions and media optics. While rumors of strain have surfaced, including her limited public appearances and a renegotiated prenup, Melania continues to support her husband’s political endeavors while prioritizing her son and personal projects.
Public Perception and Legacy
Melania’s tenure as First Lady has been polarizing. Her approval ratings were initially low, at 36–37% in 2017, but rose to 57% by 2018 amid public sympathy over personal controversies. Her Slovenian heritage brought pride to her home country, but her association with Donald’s policies, particularly on immigration, drew criticism, especially given her own path to U.S. citizenship via the EB-1 “Einstein visa” in 2001. Despite challenges, Melania’s focus on children’s issues and her composed presence have defined her public image. Her memoir and ongoing advocacy suggest she aims to shape her legacy beyond the political spotlight.
In conclusion, Melania Trump’s journey from Sevnica to the White House reflects a blend of determination, business savvy, and adaptability. Her estimated $50–$70 million net worth underscores her financial independence, built through modeling, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments. As she navigates her second term as First Lady, Melania remains a private yet influential figure, balancing family, philanthropy, and a carefully curated public persona.
