Melania Trump (née Melania Knauss) was 28 years old when she met Donald Trump at a fashion event during New York Fashion Week in September 1998. Donald Trump was 52 years old at the time, marking a 24-year age difference between them.
The Story Behind Their Meeting
They first met at the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan during a party hosted by Italian businessman Paolo Zampolli. Trump was immediately captivated by Melania’s presence and tried to get her number—even though he was on a date with another woman at the time. Melania famously refused to give her number but asked for his instead, intrigued by his persistence.
💍 Timeline of Melania and Donald Trump’s Relationship
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1998 | Met at a fashion event in NYC |
| 1999–2004 | Dated on and off for several years |
| 2004 | Engaged |
| 2005 | Married at Mar-a-Lago |
| 2006 | Their son Barron Trump was born |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melanija Knavs (Melania Knauss) |
| Born | April 26, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Novo Mesto, Slovenia (then Yugoslavia) |
| Career | Fashion Model |
| Citizenship | Became a U.S. Citizen in 2006 |
FAQ
A: As of 2025, Melania Trump is 55 years old.
Q2: How did Donald Trump and Melania Trump meet?
A: They met at a fashion event in New York City in 1998 through mutual friends.
Q3: What was the age difference between Melania and Donald Trump when they met?
A: The age gap was 24 years—Melania was 28, Donald was 52.
Q4: Was Donald Trump married when he met Melania?
A: No, he was divorced from Marla Maples at the time.
Q5: When did Melania become a U.S. citizen?
A: She became a U.S. citizen in 2006, a year after marrying Donald.
✅ Conclusion
Melania Trump was 28 when she first crossed paths with Donald Trump. Their age gap drew public attention, but their relationship blossomed into a high-profile marriage that placed her in the global spotlight as First Lady. Understanding their early story offers more than gossip—it helps contextualize her role in American public life.