Donald and Melania Trump initially encountered each other in September 1998 during a Fashion Week event in New York. In her memoir, Melania reminisced about receiving a phone call from a friend who invited her to the Kit Kat Klub.
Donald and Melania Trump attended the 50th anniversary celebration of Playboy magazine in 2003, alongside Victoria Silvstedt. | Source: Getty Images
On a Friday evening in September 1998, after returning to the comfort of my New York City apartment following a whirlwind trip to Paris, I received a phone call from a friend, the former model reminisced.
Melania’s friend mentioned, ‘My boyfriend is hosting a gathering at the Kit Kat Klub tomorrow evening. I would be delighted if you could attend, as it has been quite a while since we last met.’ To which Melania responded, ‘I have just returned from Paris.’
Donald and Melania Trump captured in a photograph at a gathering in 1998. | Source: Getty Images
Initially, Melania declined the invitation, favoring tranquil evenings to nightlife, but she eventually reconsidered her decision.
Despite feeling fatigued and experiencing jet lag, I was excited about the prospect of spending my weekend in the company of friends. […] Ultimately, it was Fashion Week—a period characterized by elegance and style. I genuinely anticipated engaging with industry professionals and trendsetters,” she expressed.
Melania and Donald Trump captured in a photograph at a gathering with Jaime Bergman in 1998. | Source: Getty Images
Upon the model’s arrival, the vibrant energy of the crowd combined with the brilliant lights to forge an unforgettable ambiance. Within the VIP area, Melania took her place alongside her friends, relishing the elegant and animated setting.
Soon after, she observed a man making his way towards her table. “Greetings, I am Donald Trump,” he stated as he introduced himself. She was aware of his name but had limited knowledge about him.
Donald and Melania Trump at the Municipal Art Society’s Grand Central Terminal Revitalization event in 1998, New York. | Source: Getty Images
The model engaged in a courteous manner, leading to a conversation between the two. Melania found Donald’s confidence and charm captivating. Despite being accompanied by a date, he maintained his focus on Melania.
Donald and Melania Trump attending a Marc Jacobs fashion event in New York in 1998. | Source: Getty Images
She recounted in her memoir how he inquired about her experiences in New York, her home in Slovenia, and her travels around the globe. This exchange fostered a sense of connection, creating a fleeting yet impactful moment. She expressed her pleasure in meeting a new acquaintance.
Russell Simmons alongside Donald and Melania Trump at the Phat Farm Spring 1998 Ready to Wear Fashion Show. | Source: Getty Images
As the evening progressed, he requested her phone number. She refused and proposed, ‘Provide me with your number,’ which appeared to catch him off guard. ‘I will share my number with you,’ he responded, ‘if you assure me that you will call.’
The couple subsequently had lunch together, during which Melania reflected on discovering information about Donald’s children and previous marriages. She stated, ‘I chose not to make any judgments, opting instead to appreciate his presence.’
Melania and Donald Trump attended the MetroGuide launch event on February 3, 1999. | Source: Getty Images
I found that aspect of him quite appealing. Upon returning home, I was filled with elation. It is indeed a unique experience to establish an immediate and profound connection with another person,” she remarked.
I felt an instant sense of comfort in Donald’s presence, as though our spirits had been acquainted for an extended period. The chemistry between us was unmistakable, and our bond appeared to be effortless, the former model elaborated.
Donald and Melania Trump attended the VH1 Divas Live concert on April 13, 1999, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
In the subsequent months, their relationship grew stronger. At the age of 28, Melania felt an attraction to Donald’s charismatic personality. She noted, ‘Having traveled extensively and met various individuals, I found Donald to be unique, a refreshing change.’
Melania and Donald Trump attended the premiere of ‘The Insider’ on November 1, 1999, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
She remarked, “His dedication to his work and achievements were commendable. He exuded a genuine quality. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. He was not only successful and diligent but also remarkably humble and authentic. I truly appreciated that aspect of his character.”
Donald and Melania Trump attended the 20th Annual Sports Illustrated Century Sports Awards on December 2, 1999, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the 24-year age gap, they formed an authentic bond. She contemplated his more personal side, stating, ‘As I became more acquainted with him, I understood that the public perception of Donald Trump was only a fraction of who he is. In private, he presented himself as a true gentleman, exhibiting kindness and consideration.’
Donald and Melania Trump around the year 1999. | Source: Getty Images
Nonetheless, their relationship encountered initial difficulties. In January 2000, while Donald sought the Reform Party nomination, he and Melania temporarily parted ways. However, their separation was brief, and by February, they had reunited.
Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and their daughter Tiffany at the Mar-a-Lago estate located in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 2, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
By 2004, Melania had relocated to Trump Tower, fully engaging in her life with Donald by preparing meals for him and assisting him in his everyday activities. Nevertheless, the future First Lady desired to maintain a degree of privacy despite her relationship with such a prominent individual.
Donald and Melania Trump at the 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2004, held in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
I deliberately endeavored to preserve a level of privacy in our relationship. The media consistently pursued him. As someone who does not seek the spotlight, I aimed to keep our moments together as discreet as possible,” she expressed.
Donald and Melania Trump attended the Met Gala on April 26, 2004, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
In that same year, he made a proposal at the Met Gala, enhancing the already opulent occasion to an even greater extent. Subsequently, on January 22, 2005, less than a year later, they celebrated their marriage in a grand ceremony at Donald’s Mar-a-Lago estate, where Melania donned a luxurious Dior gown.
The couple ultimately chose to spend their honeymoon at the residence as well. Subsequently, in 2006, they welcomed their son, Barron Trump.
Melania reminisced about the moment she disclosed her pregnancy, stating, ‘One day last August, he returned home, and I informed him that he would be a father. His initial reaction was one of surprise as he needed a moment to process the news. Subsequently, he expressed great happiness.’
Donald and Melania Trump attended the 16th Annual Bunny Hop event at the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center on March 13, 2007, accompanied by their son Barron, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Donald remarked, “I anticipated that we would have children, so I was not entirely taken aback. However, I was astonished by how swiftly it occurred. It transpired very rapidly.”
In 2016, Melania assumed the role of First Lady of the United States after her husband triumphed over Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, leading to his inauguration as the 45th President on January 20, 2017.
Donald and Melania Trump at a campaign rally in Waterloo, Iowa, on February 1, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
During her tenure as First Lady, she embraced her responsibilities with poise and dignity. She focused on nurturing Barron while also backing her husband’s political aspirations. Despite enduring public criticism throughout his presidency, she stayed devoted to her family and her duties.
Donald and Melania Trump prior to a dinner at Winfield House in honor of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, during their state visit on June 4, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Following Donald’s defeat in the 2020 election to Joe Biden, the couple returned to Mar-a-Lago, where Donald concentrated on his political ambitions while Melania led a private and family-centered life.
Donald and Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 20, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Following Donald’s victory in the 2024 presidential election over Kamala Harris, Melania began to prepare for her second term as First Lady. Her trusted advisors, which included stylist Hervé Pierre, photographer Regine Mahaux, and interior designer Tham Kannalikham, observed her increased confidence.
Melania and Donald Trump were present at the residence of billionaire investor John Paulson on April 6, 2024, located in Palm Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Regine remarked, “She has consistently been actively involved, yet she now possesses greater freedom to express herself. She has transformed significantly over the past eight years while remaining authentic to her identity. Currently, there is a distinct energy stemming from the new individuals with whom the President has chosen to associate.”
Donald and Melania Trump honoring the memory of former President Jimmy Carter at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 8, 2025, beside his flag-draped casket. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the considerable age difference, the relationship between Melania and Donald Trump has persisted. Their steadfast dedication to one another, their child, and their common goals has reinforced their marriage, demonstrating that love and loyalty can endure through time and public examination.
