Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, with fact number 6 being particularly surprising to many:
- She was the first First Lady born outside the United States in over 200 years.
- Melania Trump was born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, in 1970, making her the first First Lady born in a foreign country since Louisa Adams, who was born in England in 1775.
- She had a successful career as a model.
- Before becoming First Lady, Melania had a well-established career as a model. She signed with Elite Model Management and worked in Europe and New York, appearing in various high-profile ad campaigns and magazines.
- She speaks multiple languages.
- Melania is fluent in several languages, including Slovenian, French, Italian, German, and English, which she learned after moving to the United States.
- She is the only First Lady to have posed for a nude photo.
- Melania’s 1995 photo shoot for GQ magazine, where she posed in a nude spread, garnered significant media attention, though she has often been criticized or praised for her modeling career.
- She is the first First Lady to be a naturalized U.S. citizen.
- Melania became a U.S. citizen in 2006, after marrying Donald Trump in 2005. She had previously held a green card and lived in the U.S. for many years before becoming a citizen.
- Melania Trump has an unexpected hobby: she loves horticulture.
- While many know her for her fashion sense and role as First Lady, few are aware that Melania has a deep love for gardening. In fact, she took a special interest in the White House Rose Garden during her time as First Lady and worked on its renovation, which surprised many who did not associate her with this quiet passion.
- She played a role in the “Be Best” initiative.
- As First Lady, Melania launched the “Be Best” initiative, focusing on children’s well-being, addressing opioid abuse, and promoting online safety.
- Her fashion choices often sparked controversy and discussion.
- From the “I really don’t care, do u?” jacket she wore on a trip to visit migrant children to her high-end wardrobe, Melania’s fashion choices sparked numerous headlines and public discussions.
- She met Donald Trump at a New York Fashion Week party.
- The couple met in 1998 at a party for Fashion Week, where Donald Trump was instantly taken by Melania. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were married in 2005.
- She is an advocate for the arts and creativity.
- While First Lady, Melania showed a particular interest in the arts and initiated various programs to promote artistic expression, including supporting the National Gallery of Art and cultural events at the White House.
Fact number 6 has surprised many because it shows a softer, less publicized side of Melania that most people weren’t familiar with during her tenure as First Lady!
.6 Early Learning and a Career in Modeling
Melania attended the University of Ljubljana to study architecture and design, but she left after just one year to relocate to Milan. Melania Knavs started modeling at the age of 16, mostly in Paris and Milan, where she achieved great success. Magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and Sports Illustrated featured her work. In addition, Melania is the first First Lady to appear in magazines in a nude photo.
7. Among the Tallest First Lady
Melania is one of the tallest First Ladies in American history, standing at 180 cm (5’11”). She has the same title as Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama.
8. A First Lady of the Catholic Church
Jacqueline Kennedy was the first Catholic First Lady in American history, and Melania is only the second.
9. Postponed White House Move
In contrast to previous First Ladies, Melania Trump waited five months after Donald Trump took office before relocating to the White House. This was due to Barron, their son, having to complete the fifth grade in New York. It is unclear if things will change if Donald Trump wins a second term as president.
10. Initiatives for Cryptocurrency
After the launch of the $Trump coin, Melania introduced her own cryptocurrency, the $Melania coin, on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2025.