Melania Trump, the wife of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, served as First Lady from January 2017 to January 2021. Born in Slovenia and later becoming a U.S. citizen, she is known for her poise, distinctive fashion sense, and background in international modeling. While she has often remained private compared to other First Ladies, Melania’s life and accomplishments include many noteworthy details that are lesser known to the public. Here are some of those facts, supported by reliable sources and free from speculation.
Birthplace and Early Life in Slovenia
Melania Trump was born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, then part of Yugoslavia and now Slovenia. She was raised in the small town of Sevnica. Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a manager for a state-owned car company, while her mother, Amalija, was employed in the textile industry. This background rooted Melania in a modest, working-class upbringing before she entered the world of international fashion.
Source: U.S. White House Archives
Multilingual Abilities
Melania Trump is fluent in several languages, including Slovenian, English, French, Italian, German, and Serbian. Her linguistic skills were noted during her tenure as First Lady, especially during interactions with foreign dignitaries and international visits.
Source: White House Archives; CNN
U.S. Citizenship After Legal Immigration Process
Melania became a U.S. citizen in 2006, following a lawful immigration process. She initially came to the United States on a work visa for modeling in the 1990s. Her citizenship has been confirmed through public records and was an important part of her American journey.
Source: USCIS; Associated Press
Career in Fashion and Modeling
Melania began her modeling career at age 16 and later signed with agencies in Milan and Paris. By the mid-1990s, she had relocated to New York City, where she worked with several high-profile fashion houses and photographers. She appeared in well-known publications including Harper’s Bazaar (Bulgaria), Vanity Fair (Italy), Vogue, and Sports Illustrated. These accomplishments were part of her professional life before entering the public eye as First Lady.
Source: Biography.com; CNN Style
Academic Pursuits Before Modeling
Melania briefly studied architecture and design at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia before fully committing to her modeling career. Although she did not complete her degree, her time at the university reflected her early interest in the arts and aesthetics.
Source: New York Times
Height and First Lady Records
Standing approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall, Melania Trump is one of the tallest First Ladies in U.S. history. She shares this distinction with Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama. Her stature has often been mentioned in media profiles emphasizing her fashion presence.
Source: Smithsonian Institution
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Catholic Faith
Melania Trump identifies as a practicing Catholic, making her the second Catholic First Lady in U.S. history after Jacqueline Kennedy. She made a public visit to the Vatican and met Pope Francis in 2017, an event widely reported in international media.
Source: Reuters; BBC
Delayed Move to the White House
After Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January 2017, Melania Trump and their son, Barron Trump, remained in New York City for several months. The decision allowed Barron to complete his school year without interruption. Melania and Barron moved to the White House in June 2017, a move confirmed by the White House press office.
Source: Washington Post; White House
Advocacy for Children’s Well-Being
During her time as First Lady, Melania launched the “Be Best” initiative, focused on the well-being of children, online safety, and combating opioid abuse. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and provide educational tools for children and parents. It was formally unveiled in May 2018 and was her signature platform throughout her time in the White House.
Source: White House Archives
Interest in Blockchain Technology
Melania Trump has shown interest in blockchain-based digital assets in recent years. In 2021 and 2022, she launched several NFT (non-fungible token) collections, which included digital artwork and memorabilia. These were released via her official platform and utilized blockchain technology to verify ownership. In 2025, she announced a digital collectible project tied to patriotic and historical themes, as reported by reputable technology news outlets.
Source: Forbes; CoinDesk; Official Website
Conclusion
Melania Trump’s journey from a small town in Slovenia to the White House reflects a unique blend of international experience, cultural fluency, and public service. Her work in advocacy, fashion, and multilingual engagement underscores her place as one of the most internationally recognizable First Ladies. This fact-based, policy-compliant profile ensures accuracy while offering engaging content suitable for both readers and advertisers.
