Melania’s Memoir: From Slovenia to the White House & Beyond

What drives a young woman from Slovenia to pursue her dreams in America? How does life change when your husband becomes the President of the United States?

From growing up in Slovenia to becoming First Lady, Melania Trump shares intimate details of her journey in her memoir, Melania. She reveals her path through modeling, business ventures, marriage to Donald Trump, and her role in the White House during one of America’s most turbulent periods.

Read on for our overview of Melania’s memoir to get her perspective on some of the most significant moments in recent American history.

Overview of Melania’s Memoir

Melania, a memoir by Melania Trump, recounts her journey from growing up in Slovenia to becoming the first lady of the United States. She discusses the risks she took to succeed in her modeling and business career, her first encounter and budding romance with Donald Trump, and the dramatic shift of her life into the political spotlight.

(Shortform note: In this overview, we’ll refer to Melania Trump as Melania, and to Donald Trump as Trump.)

Melania first gained recognition as a successful model before becoming the first naturalized US citizen to become first lady of the United States. In addition to modeling, Melania launched jewelry and luxury skincare lines. Melania is her first book.

Our overview of Melania’s memoir offers a chronological summary of her life, emphasizing her priorities and reflections during her tenure as first lady from 2016 to 2020.

Growing Up

Melania Trump was born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. Her father Viktor advanced from being a Yugoslavian Army driver to managing car dealerships, while her mother Amalija worked as an artist and patternmaker, which influenced Melania’s lifelong appreciation for fashion—a passion she shared with her older sister, Ines.

Melania disputes portrayals of her childhood as bleak or deprived, describing it instead as happy and enriching. Despite growing up in Slovenia during a time marked by the remnants of communism and the Cold War, she says her childhood in the scenic town of Sevnica provided her with a stable environment and the opportunity to explore creativity and culture. Her family traveled to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and other European countries, broadening her worldview. According to Melania, these early experiences, combined with her parents’ emphasis on hard work and dedication, laid the foundation for the values that would shape her life—creativity, commitment to family, and financial independence.

Melania’s Modeling Career

Melania writes that her modeling career began at a young age as she showcased her mother’s designs as a child on runways in Belgrade. However, as a teenager, she decided to pursue a formal education in industrial design at the Secondary School for Design and Photography in Ljubljana, a degree that combined her interests in art, graphic design, and fashion. Melania later switched her focus to becoming an architect.

In 1987, a chance encounter with photographer Stane Jerko launched Melania’s professional modeling career. By 1992, at age 22, she was balancing her architecture studies with part-time modeling. That same year, encouraged by her sister Ines, Melania entered the “Look of the Year” contest in Portoroz. She placed second, winning a contract with Milan-based agency RVR, which prompted her to choose modeling professionally over pursuing architecture.

Melania relocated to Milan but says she felt unfulfilled with RVR. Seeking greater opportunities, she arranged a meeting with Riccardo Gay, known for managing one of the most esteemed modeling agencies in the industry. With Gay’s agreement to represent her, Melania’s career flourished, allowing her to travel and model for luxury brands around the globe. Following two years in Milan, she moved to Paris, where she met Paolo Zampolli, co-owner of Metropolitan Models, who offered her a chance to work in New York City.

Despite enjoying her glamorous lifestyle and financial independence, Melania has acknowledged experiencing frequent rejection and harsh criticism as a model, which required exceptional confidence, resilience, and determination. Melania noted how some peers faced challenges with drugs and excessive drinking. Proud of her ability to remain true to her values and ambitions, she emphasized the necessity of maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude while navigating industry temptations.

Romance

Melania’s life in New York City changed course when she met Donald Trump. 

Courtship

In September 1998, after returning from a trip to Paris, Melania was invited by a friend to attend a party at the Kit Kat Club during Fashion Week. There she was introduced to Trump and was struck by his charm and easygoing nature. Despite the bustling environment, Melania found herself captivated by Trump’s focused attention on their conversation, which, she writes, made her feel like the center of his world.

When Trump’s date stepped away, he asked Melania for her phone number. She refused but offered to take his card, promising to call him. Trump agreed, writing his number on a card for her. This encounter left a lasting impression, and Melania says she thought about Trump during a Caribbean photo shoot the next day. Upon returning, she called him, and their pleasant conversation led to a first date—a drive to Trump’s property in Bedford, New York. Melania was impressed by Trump’s down-to-earth nature despite his success, and, she writes, she felt an instant connection with him.

Melania recounts that their courtship progressed rapidly, with the two enjoying each other’s company at various events and private outings. Despite the public attention their relationship attracted, Melania says they strived to maintain privacy. They shared common interests, including a love for Elvis Presley and Elton John, and enjoyed attending theater shows and sports events, and watching movies. Melania appreciated Trump’s organizational skills and good taste, which she felt reflected his self-respect and respect for others.

Marriage

In April 2004, Trump proposed to Melania with an emerald-cut diamond ring just before they attended the Met Gala, a prestigious annual fashion event. They married on January 22, 2005, in a lavish ceremony at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, followed by a reception at the Mar-a-Lago Club, Trump’s Palm Beach resort. According to Melania, the wedding was a star-studded affair, with 500 guests including celebrities, politicians, and media figures, including the Clintons, basketball player Shaquille O’Neil, broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Motherhood

Melania continued modeling during the early years of her marriage but paused her career following the birth of their son, Barron William Trump, in March 2006. She describes becoming a mother as a transformative experience that brought her a new sense of love, purpose, and fulfillment. This newfound focus led her to withdraw from public life to prioritize her role as a mother. She also writes that she enjoyed watching Trump as a father, teaching Barron how to golf and swim at their Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.

As Barron’s primary caregiver during weekdays, Melania adapted to the challenges of motherhood, learning to function on minimal sleep and manage the exhaustion and anxieties that come with raising a child. Melania says her approach to motherhood was influenced by her mother’s parenting style. She sought to guide and support her son without imposing her will, allowing Barron to find his own path. 

Melania writes that her parenting philosophy extended to her role as a stepmother, where she aimed to be a steady, supportive presence without trying to replace the mothers of Trump’s other children: Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany.

American Citizenship

In July 2006, just a few months after Barron’s birth, Melania achieved another milestone by becoming an American citizen. She describes the process as challenging, involving extensive paperwork and legal complexities. However, Melania writes that her experience with the immigration system gave her insight into the difficulties faced by those seeking citizenship, including time-consuming research and paperwork. She later reflected on this journey in a speech at a 2023 naturalization ceremony at the National Archives, emphasizing the responsibilities and opportunities that come with American citizenship.

Building a Business

As Barron entered school, Melania had more time to pursue projects beyond motherhood. In 2009, inspired by her interest in design and fashion, Melania launched a jewelry line with QVC, a television network and shopping channel. Melania says that the Melania™ Timepieces & Jewelry sold out quickly and maintained popularity for three years. Melania describes her jewelry line as a symbol of financial independence.

After her jewelry success, Melania was approached by New Sunshine in 2011 to develop a high-end skincare line, a project she embraced due to her personal interest in skincare from her modeling years.

With New Sunshine, Melania helped create the Melania Caviar Complexe C6 line. Despite what she describes as a promising start and positive reception, the partnership faced obstacles from internal disputes at New Sunshine, halting distribution. Melania pursued legal action to resolve these contractual issues, and the court ruled in her favor, affirming her contract’s legitimacy and granting her a settlement.

Becoming the First Lady

Melania writes that they carefully considered Trump’s decision to run for president. They extensively discussed the impact on their family and the heightened public scrutiny. Despite initial hesitations, she writes, she supported his decision, believing in his vision for the country.

Campaign

On June 16, 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for President. The image of Trump and Melania descending the Trump Tower escalator symbolized their transition from celebrity and fashion to the political arena. Recognizing how this new chapter would transform their lives, especially for their young son, Barron, Melania writes that she was committed to supporting her family in a new era amid heightened media scrutiny.

Melania faced intense media scrutiny as Trump’s campaign gained momentum, particularly after he secured the Republican nomination in May 2016. Her role at the Republican National Convention, where she was accused of using plagiarized material in her speech, highlighted the need to manage her public image actively.

Throughout the campaign, Melania endured relentless attention, including the resurfacing of the nude modeling photos and false allegations about her past. She describes these reports as revealing the predatory nature of media coverage. Determined to protect her reputation, Melania successfully sued publications, including the Daily Mail, for spreading misinformation.

Melania says she felt immensely proud when the family realized Trump had won the election. She also remained determined to shield her family, especially Barron, age nine at the time, from undue media attention. She writes that she approached this journey with a strong sense of duty, maintaining her resolve to support her husband while contributing to his vision for the country.

Projects and Priorities

We’ll discuss Melania’s projects and priorities as first lady, including her advocacy on issues of cyberbullying and children’s well-being, her role in White House event hosting and renovations, and her diplomatic efforts.

The Be Best Campaign

Melania launched the “Be Best” campaign on May 7, 2018, during her second year in the White House. The campaign focused on promoting children’s well-being and online safety, and addressing opioid abuse. The initiative’s emphasis on cyberbullying reflected Melania’s experience with online harassment of her son Barron.

As a part of the campaign, Melania engaged in discussions with tech giants like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Snapchat, and Twitter to explore ways to enhance online safety and reduce cyberbullying. She also collaborated with organizations such as the Family Online Safety Institute and the National PTA Legislative Conference to broaden the campaign’s impact, focusing on educating parents and children about safe online practices and fostering a healthier digital environment for youth. 

To tackle opioid abuse, the campaign focused on raising awareness about the epidemic’s impact on families. Melania visited organizations, such as infant recovery centers, and participated in discussions with addiction and recovery experts. These efforts aimed to reduce stigma and promote education on prevention and recovery.

The “Be Best” campaign faced criticism for its name, as some questioned the clarity and grammar of the title, as well as perceived contradictions with President Trump’s contentious social media behavior, which often included insults and inflammatory language. Despite these challenges, Melania emphasized that the campaign was her priority, underscoring her commitment to promoting respectful communication and ensuring the safety of children.

Hosting and Renovations at the White House

As first lady, Melania embraced her responsibility to host and manage White House events with meticulous attention to detail. She highlighted the state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, as an example, personally overseeing every aspect—from decor to dining—with nods to both French and American culture through her choice of designers.

Melania’s role included planning diverse events, such as the Governor’s Ball and International Women’s Day, where she hosted a luncheon and spoke at the International Women of Courage Award Ceremony to highlight global women’s issues. Holidays were also busy, with events scheduled around Easter and Thanksgiving, and Christmas preparations beginning as early as July. On Valentine’s Day, Melania visited a children’s hospital, engaging in crafts and sharing treats with the patients.

Melania also undertook White House renovations in collaboration with designer Tham Kannalikham, focusing on finding the balance between historical preservation and modern updates. In addition to refreshing wallpaper and reupholstering furniture in the White House, Melania oversaw the design and construction of a new tennis pavilion at the White House, and she coordinated updates to Camp David. She writes that she also improved the White House Rose Garden, adding a new walkway for accessibility and an improved irrigation system. According to Melania, these efforts exemplified her commitment to enhancing the beauty and functionality of these historic spaces for future generations.

International Diplomacy

In May 2017, Melania embarked on her first major international trip with President Trump, visiting Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome, Belgium, and Sicily. During this trip, she met with international leaders, such as King Salman in Saudi Arabia and Pope Francis at the Vatican, and visited cultural sites, including the Western Wall in Israel. In her diplomatic role, Melania also attended a state banquet with Queen Elizabeth II in London and a sumo wrestling tournament with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. These activities reinforced international alliances and highlighted her engagement in cultural diplomacy.

In October 2018, Melania made a solo trip to Africa as part of her “Be Best” initiative, which focused on spotlighting global issues affecting women and children. In Ghana, she visited the Cape Coast Castle, a historical site significant for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting the importance of historical awareness and reflection. In Malawi, her visit to the overcrowded Chipala Primary School underscored the urgent need for more educational resources, aligning with her initiative’s emphasis on improving conditions for children. In Nairobi, Kenya, she spent time at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where she visited baby elephants, drawing attention to regional conservation efforts and the importance of wildlife protection.

Melania emphasizes her commitment to supporting the US military with her surprise Christmas visit to American troops in Iraq in December 2018 and her stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. These visits were part of her broader involvement in military and veteran support.

Navigating Crises and Challenges

Melania writes that in times of crisis, her priority as first lady was to foster empathy for those impacted. For example, after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, she recounts that she and President Trump coordinated relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. And then again, following the Las Vegas mass shooting, Melania visited with victims and first responders.

Responding to Covid-19

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a significant shift for Melania and the Trump administration. Initially learning about the novel coronavirus in December 2019, she witnessed its rapid spread from China to the United States. She cites the formation of the White House coronavirus task force and President Trump’s travel ban from China as life-saving measures.

Despite the unfolding health crisis, Melania continued her first lady duties, including making a diplomatic visit to India amid safety concerns. As the pandemic’s severity became apparent, she implemented safety protocols in the White House, including suspending White House tours, requiring staff to wear masks, and allowing noncritical staff to work remotely. Even as she tested positive for the virus in October 2020, she writes that she remained focused on maintaining calm and providing support through public service announcements.

Addressing Racial Injustice: The Death of George Floyd

The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 26, 2020, sparked nationwide discussions on police brutality and racial injustice. Melania notes that, despite the firing of the officers involved, public demands for justice and systemic reform continued to intensify across the country. She says she expressed her support for peaceful protest, a cornerstone of American democracy, but also her concern about the violence and destruction that accompanied some demonstrations, noting what she described as the inflammatory rhetoric from some Black Lives Matter leaders, which contributed to the unrest.

Melania recounts that on May 29th, three days after the death of Floyd, protests demanding justice and reform intensified outside the White House, with demonstrators gathering in Lafayette Square, a public park across the White House. As tensions escalated, some protesters attempted to breach the White House gates, prompting the Secret Service to take the precautionary measure of escorting the Trump family to an underground bunker.

Reflecting on the experience, Melania highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue over violence. She expressed concerns about erasing part of US history, specifically mentioning the removal of monuments and statues, emphasizing the need to learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them. Melania writes that respect and understanding among the diverse groups within the US are critical for a healthy democracy.

Reflecting on January 6

Acknowledging the deepening divisions in the country following Floyd’s death, Melania also discusses what she witnessed on January 6, 2021.

Melania recounts that she had been working in the White House when she learned of the unrest at the Capitol building as protests turned violent during the election results certification. She explains that she was initially unaware of the situation’s gravity but later received an inquiry from her press secretary, asking if she wanted to publicly denounce the violence. Consistent with her past stance against violence, she says she condemned the actions once fully informed and stressed the importance of resolving disputes without aggression. The day’s events led her to reflect on her role in a deeply divided nation, but she maintained hope for the country’s future unity.

After the White House

Transitioning to private life on January 20, 2021, Melania focused on furthering her interests beyond the White House. Grateful for her experiences as first lady, she says she embraced the opportunity to shift from policy-driven work to action-oriented initiatives, especially through “Fostering the Future,” a Be Best initiative. Funded primarily through Melania’s blockchain-based business ventures, the program aims to provide foster youth with skills for stable employment and financial independence by addressing challenges like low education attainment and high unemployment.

The Raid on Mar-a-Lago

A significant turning point for Melania was the FBI’s raid on Mar-a-Lago to recover classified government documents, which she perceived as a violation reminiscent of her childhood under a surveillance state. She writes that event underscored her concerns about government overreach and privacy rights.

The Assassination Attempt

In the final pages of the memoir, Melania recounts when she heard about the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. She describes her immediate concern for Trump when she heard the news and her efforts to comfort their son Barron as Trump’s status was uncertain. She explains how the incident highlighted the constant concern for safety that accompanied their family’s public life, as well as the bravery of people who sacrificed themselves to protect him during the attack.

Melania concludes her memoir by sharing a public letter she wrote to the American people, in which she calls for unity over division, expresses gratitude to those who protected Trump, and extends sympathy to the victims. She advocates compassion and understanding beyond political divides. Melania’s final message in the book is a call for national healing at a critical moment, emphasizing respect and unity as foundational for a better future.