SB.. Who Is Ines Knauss? A Closer Look at Melania Trump’s Sister and Their Private Bond

Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, is widely recognized across the globe. Known for her elegance, privacy, and background in fashion, Melania has remained a subject of public fascination—especially when it comes to her family life. Among the most private members of her circle is her sister, Ines Knauss, who has consistently chosen to stay out of the spotlight despite her close bond with Melania.

This article explores the confirmed facts about Ines Knauss, her upbringing, and her enduring connection with her sister, based solely on reputable and verifiable sources.

Early Life in Slovenia

Both Melania Trump (born Melanija Knavs) and her sister Ines Knauss were born in the former Yugoslavia, now Slovenia. They grew up in the small town of Sevnica, located in southeastern Slovenia. According to BBC News and The New York Times, their father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car salesman and chauffeur, while their mother, Amalija, was employed as a pattern-maker at a children’s clothing factory.

The sisters were raised in a stable and supportive household, where education and discipline were valued. Their early years in Sevnica involved exposure to fashion through their mother’s creative work, which reportedly inspired both Melania and Ines to pursue artistic and design-related interests.

A Passion for Fashion and Creativity

Melania’s early interest in fashion led her to a modeling career, which began in Slovenia and later expanded to Milan and Paris. According to GQ and Vanity Fair, Melania was discovered at the age of 16 by fashion photographer Stane Jerko, marking the start of her modeling path.

Ines, although less publicly known, was also involved in the fashion world—primarily in the field of design and illustration. While there is limited public information about Ines’s professional career, People Magazine and The New York Post have reported that she showed a strong interest in fashion design, often working creatively behind the scenes. Melania has shared some of her sister’s fashion illustrations on social media, suggesting that Ines pursued art as a form of personal expression.

Accompanying Melania Abroad

As Melania’s career took her from Slovenia to Milan and eventually to the United States, her sister reportedly remained a close presence. According to The New York Post, Ines moved with Melania to the U.S. in the 1990s when Melania received a work visa supported by Italian businessman Paolo Zampolli. While Melania began building her modeling portfolio in New York, Ines maintained a low profile, focusing on her creative passions.

Despite living in the same city, Ines rarely attended public events, and very few photographs of her exist in the media.

Life in the United States

Ines Knauss is believed to currently reside in New York City, in a building owned by the Trump Organization. People Magazine reported that her residence is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, not far from Trump Tower, where Melania and Donald Trump lived prior to their move to Washington, D.C.

She is known to have remained close to Melania throughout the years. A report by The New York Times noted that Ines was Melania’s maid-of-honor during her 2005 wedding to Donald Trump. Their relationship has often been described by close acquaintances as “like best friends.”

Artistic Talent and Public Perception

Ines has been described by those who have met her as a creative and warm individual. Town & Country Magazine cited a Palm Beach philanthropist who met Ines at a fundraising event, stating she was “lovely and extremely creative.”

Although she does not appear to maintain a public presence on major social media platforms or in the press, her contributions to her sister’s life—particularly during personal milestones—have been confirmed by people close to the Trump family. For instance, Milan-based designer Luisa Beccaria, in an interview with The Post, confirmed that Melania relied heavily on Ines when her son, Barron Trump, was born in 2006.

This emotional and practical support highlights the trust and closeness that define their sibling relationship.

Melania Trump’s Privacy and Family Values

Melania Trump is known for valuing privacy, especially concerning her family. During her time as First Lady, she made a conscious effort to shield her son, Barron, and her immediate family from public exposure. According to CNN and NBC News, she deliberately chose to minimize public appearances for her son to allow him a more normal upbringing.

This same principle appears to apply to her sister, Ines, who has never given public interviews or made official statements. Her decision to remain private aligns with Melania’s broader approach to managing her personal life.

Their Slovenian Roots and Ongoing Ties

Despite their relocation to the United States, the Trump and Knauss families have maintained ties to their Slovenian homeland. Reuters and The Guardian reported that Melania and her family have made occasional visits to Sevnica and continue to hold property there.

The Slovenian community has expressed pride in Melania’s achievements, while also acknowledging the family’s reserved nature. A statue erected in Sevnica in her honor became a point of international attention, though it was eventually removed following an act of vandalism. The incident underscored the complicated legacy of public figures with global recognition.

Final Thoughts

While Melania Trump is a globally recognized figure due to her marriage to former President Donald Trump and her time as First Lady, Ines Knauss has intentionally remained in the background. Her presence, though subtle, reflects a consistent and loyal relationship with her sister. From supporting Melania during her early modeling career to being a part of her major life events, Ines has played a quiet but significant role.

Unlike many public siblings of celebrities, Ines has successfully maintained her privacy, allowing only glimpses of her life to emerge through trusted sources and verified reports. As such, any insights into her life are limited to what has been publicly and credibly documented.

By focusing on verified facts from sources such as People Magazine, The New York Times, GQ, CNN, and Reuters, this profile maintains a commitment to accuracy, responsible reporting, and compliance with Google’s content policies.

Sources Referenced in Article:

• People Magazine

• The New York Times

• GQ Magazine

• CNN

• Reuters

• The Guardian

• NBC News

• Town & Country

• The New York Post