EntertainmentMelania's memoir: From awkward first meeting to Trump's marriage

Melania's memoir: From awkward first meeting to Trump's marriage

Donald and Melania Trump in 1998.
Donald and Melania Trump in 1998.
Images source: © Getty Images

9 October 2024 08:02

Melania Trump reveals how she met her future husband. When they met for the first time, Donald was on a date with another woman. "His intent focus on our interaction made me feel like the center of his world."

Donald Trump and Melania Trump are one of the most recognizable and controversial couples in global politics. Their love story began under rather unusual circumstances. Originally from Slovenia, Melania detailed their first encounter in her autobiography. The story is spicy. After all, Donald initiated their acquaintance while being on a... date with another woman. At that time, he was also separated from his second wife, Marla Maples.

How Donald Trump met Melania

It all started in 1998 during one of the world's most prestigious fashion events, New York Fashion Week. Melania was 28 years old at the time and was a known figure in the industry.

Even though Donald came to the event at the Kit Kat Club with an "attractive blonde," it didn’t stop him from taking interest in Melania. As described in her book, Donald approached her and introduced himself, attempting to start a conversation. Melania recalled that although she "recognized the name," she had no idea who Trump really was or what he did, which was unusual for him. Normally, he was recognized immediately. Even though their first conversation was brief, it "left a lasting impression."

"The magnetic energy" of Donald Trump

Melania recalls that she was captivated by Donald's charisma from the start. Although there was a crowd around them, the billionaire focused all his attention on her. "There was so much bustling activity around us, but his intent focus on our interaction made me feel like the center of his world." The conversation immediately seemed different from the superficial dialogues she was used to in fashion. Trump asked her about her life in New York, her hometown in Slovenia, and her travels worldwide. Although she initially considered it typical politeness, she quickly realized that "a moment of connection" drew her to his "magnetic energy."

Even though Donald came with another woman, he asked Melania for her phone number during their brief conversation. Melania refused. Instead, she asked him to give her his number, which was quite unusual, especially for Trump, who was used to initiating contact. Donald agreed on one condition – she had to promise to call.

Donald and Melania Trump: From flirting to wedding

Trump asked his bodyguard to bring him a business card and, with a smile, handed it to Melania. That’s how their flirtation began, which soon turned into a more serious relationship. The couple dated on an "on and off" basis for a while, meaning their relationship had its ups and downs.

Their relationship gradually developed, and in 2005, Melania and Donald got married during a luxurious ceremony in Florida. The ceremony, one of the biggest social events of that year, was attended by a host of stars and influential personalities. The following year, their son Barron was born.

Donald and Melania Trump in 1998.
Donald and Melania Trump in 1998.© Getty Images | Rose Hartman
Donald and Melania Trump in 2003.
Donald and Melania Trump in 2003.© Getty Images | Dimitrios Kambouris
Donald and Melania Trump in 2007.
Donald and Melania Trump in 2007.© Getty Images | Patrick McMullan