Inside Donald Trump and Melania's 20 year romance as former First Lady celebrates 54th birthday
The romance between Donald and Melania Trump long-predates their time as the first couple of the United States—as well as Trump's numerous controversies.
Two years after the Slovenian immigrant came to the United States to seek a modeling career, the pair crossed paths for the first time in September 1998.
In an interview with Harper's Bazaar in January 2016, the entrepreneur talked about their first meeting. "He wanted my number, but he was with a date, so, of course I didn't give it to him...I told you that I would call you, but I'm not giving you my number. Give it to me."
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A few days later, Melania called her future husband and expressed her amazement at his "sense of vitality" and "energy." The real estate tycoon was divorced from Marla Maples, his ex-wife, at the time. Soon after they first met, the couple started dating, and in April 2004, Donald proposed during the Met Gala. "That came as a huge surprise. At the time, Melania stated to the New York Post, "We are very happy together."
The following January, the couple got married at the Mar-a-Lago resort owned by the Apprentice alum. Melania called the marriage "fantastic" when she and Donald made a joint appearance on Larry King Live in May 2005.
Melania responded to host Larry King when he questioned if she had been anxious on her wedding day, saying, "Not at all. We are aware of the nature of our relationship. Nothing should worry me"
March 2006 saw the couple welcome their son, Baron, a year after they exchanged vows. Along with his daughter Ivanka Trump from his previous marriage to Ivana Trump, Donald is also the father of Eric and Donald Trump Jr.
Throughout her husband's 2016 presidential campaign, his four years as Commander in Chief (from 2017 to 2021), and the numerous scandals that dogged him after he departed the White House, Melania remained by his side. The former first lady has admitted that, despite her allegiance, she and the contentious politician don't always agree.
"I don't always agree with what he believes, and I tell him so. "I give him my honest opinion and advice," she told reporters in Egypt on her October 2018 solo tour to Africa.
Melania highlighted that she had her "own voice and my own opinions, and it's very important for me that I express what I feel."
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