Since Donald Trump (73) was elected US President in 2016, she has been the first woman in the United States. But for many, the former model Melania Trump is a mystery.
- First Lady Melania Trump celebrates her 50th birthday on Sunday
- Her influence on US President Donald Trump should not be underestimated.
- There are some myths and secrets surrounding the former model
New York - In contrast to predecessor Michelle Obama (56) , Melania Trump is far less present , yes shines through absence. Interviews and speeches are rare. Some even describe them as "prisoners in the White House". Melania Trump celebrates her 50th birthday on Sunday . Time to shed light on the matter and clarify: who is the first lady whom nobody really knows?
The private person
She was born as Melanija Knavsin in Slovenia, in 1996 she moved to Donald Trump's hometown of New York to work as a model . It is photographed by well-known photographers and ends up on the front pages of magazines such as Harper's Bazaar or Vanity Fair. She met her future husband - who is almost 24 years older than her - at a party in New York in 1998 . Beauty is still a big issue for her. Many experts are certain: The First Lady helped with a few surgeries . Melania's face in particular seems changed. But she vehemently denies that, that's because of the "healthy lifestyle". So so…
New York real estate and media mogul Donald Trump at the time and the Slovenian model Melania in 2003.
© dpa / Miguel Rajmil
The underestimated
Even if Melania Trump is often reluctant - her influence on the president should not be underestimated. This was demonstrated, for example, when she opposed her husband's zero tolerance policy on illegal immigration in 2018, which resulted in the separation of children from their parents on the border with Mexico. She traveled to the border to see for herself. In a rare interview, she told ABC broadcaster: “It was heartbreaking. And I responded in my own voice. ”The reporter, referring to the fact that her husband's politics had led to the situation, asked,“ Is this something you disagreed with? ”The answer:“ Yes, and I left let him know. (...) I told him at home. ” Trump gave in and ended the controversial practice - thanks to Melania.
The family man
Melania and Donald Trump marry in 2005, their son Barron is born a year later . The 14-year-old is her top priority. Because of him, Melania did not move to the White House in Washington right after the election, but stayed in New York City - a novelty. But the Trump family is not just sunny: Melania is said to have a bad relationship with her husband's eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump (38) . Allegedly Ivanka plays too much as a first lady in her eyes.
Melania Trump can be celebrated with her family.
© AFP / Christopher Gregory
The subtle
Melania Trump is not a woman of many words. But it seems to make subliminal statements. Her biggest campaign as a first lady, "Be Best", campaigns against internet bullying against children . Many observers see it as ironic. Because critics accuse her husband of being the greatest cyber-villain of our time . Donald Trump regularly gives insults on Twitter. An indirect criticism? The First Lady is also supposed to make subtle statements with her clothes. Melania is said to always wear a trouser suit if there is a crisis in the marriage or if she disagrees with something, because: Donald Trump prefers tight-fitting dresses.
Former US President Barack Obama posted a touching tweet to mark his wife's birthday.
A biography of Melania Trump reveals an increasing distance between the First Lady and her husband, US President Donald Trump. Can marriage still be saved?
The first lady of the United States, Melania Trump, was booed by students in a public speech. Thus, the wife of US President Donald Trump became the victim of her husband's mistakes.
