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Melania Trump (born Melanija Knavs) is a Slovenian-American former model, businesswoman, and the 45th First Lady of the United States. She is widely recognized for her elegance, fashion presence, and charitable involvement during her time in the White House (2017–2021).
Melania was born on 26 April 1970 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia). She grew up in the town of Sevnica with her parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, and her sister Ines. Her father worked as a car and motorcycle dealer, and Melania excelled in school — even serving as the school treasurer.
Melania studied at the High School of Design in Ljubljana. She later enrolled in the University of Ljubljana to pursue design and architecture but left in her first year to focus on her growing modeling career.
Melania started modeling at the age of 16 and gained attention after posing for photographer Stane Jerko at 17. She signed with a modeling agency in Milan and later moved to Paris. In 1992, she became the runner-up in the “Look of the Year” contest in Ljubljana.
Eventually, she moved to New York, where her modeling career continued to grow. She later expanded her interests into business by designing jewelry and watches. Fashion has always been a part of her life — she even made her own clothes as a teen.
Melania met American businessman Donald Trump in 1998 at a New York fashion event. They married and welcomed their son, Barron Trump. She served as First Lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Melania follows Christianity and her zodiac sign is Taurus. She is known for her height — 180 cm (5’11”).
Melania has supported several charitable causes, including the American Red Cross and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She has also been recognized as a “Goodwill Ambassador” by the American Red Cross. Her public identity reflects her Slovenian-American heritage and deep passion for fashion and design.
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