Melania Trump, former First Lady of the United States, has often been in the public eye for her style, her public initiatives, and her life alongside former President Donald Trump. Less discussed, however, is her relationship with her older sister, Ines Knauss. Despite their very different levels of public visibility, the sisters have maintained a strong and lasting bond over the years.
Who is Ines Knauss?
Ines Knauss was born in the former Yugoslavia (present-day Slovenia) and is Melania Trump’s older sister. They both grew up in the town of Sevnica in Slovenia. Unlike Melania, who pursued an international modeling career and eventually moved to the United States, Ines has largely avoided the spotlight and is known for her private lifestyle.
Verified Background
According to reputable reporting, Ines studied design in Ljubljana and has long had artistic interests. She later moved to Milan, Italy, and eventually to New York City, where she lived near Melania Trump. This proximity is often cited as evidence of their close relationship.
Life in the United States
After Melania married Donald Trump in 2005, Ines was reportedly present at key family events, including serving as one of the witnesses at their wedding at Mar-a-Lago.
In 2017, The New York Times described Ines as a “trusted adviser” to Melania, someone who offered quiet, consistent support. For a time, she lived in the same Trump Tower building in Manhattan, which made it easy for the sisters to see each other regularly and stay connected.
A Private Lifestyle
Unlike celebrities or other public figures often associated with First Ladies, Ines Knauss has maintained an extremely private life. She rarely appears in public with Melania and avoids media attention.
There is no publicly verified record of her marital status, children, or professional career beyond her design training. This commitment to privacy has defined her public image and limited what is known about her outside of her relationship with her sister.
Family Ties
Melania and Ines are daughters of Viktor and Amalija Knavs. Their family is reported to be close-knit, with Viktor and Amalija spending extended periods in the United States, including time helping to care for Melania’s son, Barron Trump.
Supportive Role
While Melania Trump has not publicly shared detailed information about her private conversations with Ines, reliable reporting has characterized Ines as a confidante and quiet supporter. According to The New York Times, she is viewed as someone Melania trusts deeply for personal advice and guidance.
Summary
The bond between Melania Trump and Ines Knauss is an example of enduring family ties that have persisted across decades and continents. From their shared childhood in Slovenia to living near each other in New York City, they have maintained a close relationship despite very different public roles.
While Melania has become a prominent public figure as a former model and First Lady, Ines has consistently chosen a private life, offering her sister discreet and loyal support. Their relationship is a reminder that even for those in the global spotlight, family remains a source of steady, personal connection.
Sources:
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The New York Times, “Melania Trump’s Sister Quietly Stays Close as Secret Adviser,” 2017, NYTimes.com.
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BBC News, “Melania Trump: The First Lady who is hard to read,” 2018, BBC.com.
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CNN, “Melania Trump, the enigmatic first lady,” 2018, CNN.com.
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The Guardian, “Melania Trump: Slovenian roots of new US first lady,” 2016, TheGuardian.com.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on reputable sources at the time of writing. Readers are encouraged to consult original reporting for further details.
