Melania Trump (née Melanija Knavs) is originally from Sevnica, a small town in Slovenia, which was part of Yugoslavia at the time of her birth. She was born on April 26, 1970, and grew up in a modest household before becoming an international fashion model and eventually the First Lady of the United States (2017–2021).
Key Facts About Melania Trump’s Early Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Melanija Knavs (later Germanized to Melania Knauss for her modeling career). |
| Hometown | Sevnica, Slovenia. |
| Nationality | Slovenian by birth; later became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006. |
| Family Background | Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car and motorcycle dealer; her mother, Amalija, was a patternmaker in a textile factory. |
How Melania’s Slovenian Roots Influenced Her Journey
Growing up in Slovenia, Melania displayed a strong interest in fashion and design. She studied design at the University of Ljubljana before leaving to pursue a modeling career. Her upbringing in a small European town contrasted sharply with the high-profile world she entered after marrying Donald Trump and becoming the First Lady.
Today, her Slovenian origins are a point of pride for the country, with Sevnica even embracing its connection to her by offering Melania-themed products and tours.