Inside Donald and Melania Trump's Committed Marriage Despite Their Age Gap

Melania and Donald Trump's marriage has been a subject of fascination for decades. From their first encounter in 1998 to Melania's role as First Lady and their return to Mar-a-Lago, take a look at the couple's love story.

Donald and Melania Trump first met in September 1998 at a Fashion Week party in New York. In her memoir, Melania recalled receiving a call from a friend inviting her to the Kit Kat Klub.

"On a Friday night in September 1998, as I settled into the comfort of my New York City apartment after a whirlwind trip to Paris, my phone rang. It was a friend of mine," the former model recalled.

"My boyfriend is throwing a party at the Kit Kat Klub tomorrow night. Please come. We haven’t seen each other in so long," Melania's friend said. "I just got back from Paris," she replied.

Melania initially dismissed the invitation, preferring quiet nights over clubbing, but ultimately changed her mind.

"While I was tired and jet-lagged, I loved the idea that my weekend was about to be filled with the company of friends. [...] After all, it was Fashion Week—a time of glamour and sophistication. I was actually looking forward to mingling with industry insiders and trendsetters," she wrote.

When the model arrived, the crowd's energy and the dazzling lights created an unforgettable atmosphere. Inside the VIP section, Melania settled in with her friends, enjoying the sophisticated and lively environment.

However, it wasn't long before she noticed a man approaching her table. "Hi, I'm Donald Trump," he introduced himself. She recognized his name but knew little about him.

The model responded politely, and the two struck up a conversation. Donald's confidence and charm intrigued her. Though he was there with a date, his attention remained focused on Melania.

"He asked me about my time in New York, my Slovenian home, and my world travels. It was a moment of connection, a brief encounter that left a lasting impression. It was nice to make a new acquaintance," she shared in her memoir.

As the night went on, he asked for her phone number. She declined and instead suggested, "Give me your number," seemingly taking him by surprise. "I'll give you my number," he replied, "if you promise to call me."

The pair later met for lunch, and Melania recalled learning of Donald's children and former marriages, "I refrained from passing any judgment, choosing instead to enjoy his company," she shared.

"I really liked that about him. After returning home, I was giddy with joy. It's truly a rare feeling to instantly connect with someone on such a deep level," she added.

"I was immediately at ease in Donald's company, as if our souls had known each other for a long time. Our chemistry was undeniable, and our connection felt natural," the former model continued.

Their relationship deepened in the following months. At 28, Melania found herself drawn to Donald's larger-than-life personality. "As someone who had traveled the globe and encountered many types of people, I found Donald to be different, a breath of fresh air," she wrote.

She added, "His work ethic and success were admirable. He projected a sense of authenticity. He had a zest for life that was infectious. He was successful and hardworking, but also so down to earth and real. I really liked that about him."

Despite their age difference of 24 years, they developed a natural connection. She reflected on his private side, "As I got to know him better, I realized the public only saw a part of Donald Trump. In private, he revealed himself as a gentleman, displaying tenderness and thoughtfulness."

However, their relationship faced early challenges. In January 2000, as Donald pursued a bid for the Reform Party nomination, he and Melania briefly split. Their separation was short-lived, and by February, they had reconciled.

By 2004, Melania had moved into Trump Tower, embracing life with Donald — cooking for him and supporting him in his daily life. However, the future First Lady still wanted a sense of privacy despite dating such a well-known man.

"I made a conscious effort to maintain a sense of privacy in our relationship. The press followed him around constantly. I wasn't one for seeking attention, so I tried to keep our time together as low-key as possible," she shared.

That same year, he proposed at the Met Gala, making the already glamorous event even more unforgettable. Less than a year later, on January 22, 2005, they married in a lavish ceremony at Donald's Mar-a-Lago estate, with Melania wearing an extravagant Dior gown.

The couple ultimately decided to honeymoon at the residence as well. Then in 2006, they welcomed their son, Barron Trump.

Melania recalled the moment she shared the pregnancy news, "He came home (one day last August), and I told him he'd be a daddy. And his reaction was… at first, he needed to take it in. It was a real surprise. And then he was very happy."

Donald interjected, "I expected we were going to have children, so I wasn't totally surprised. But I was surprised by the speed of it. It happened very quickly."

By 2016, Melania became the First Lady of America. Her husband won against Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017.

As First Lady, she took on her role with grace and composure. She prioritized raising Barron while supporting her husband's political ambitions. Throughout his presidency, she faced public scrutiny but remained committed to her family and responsibilities.

After Donald lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, the couple returned to Mar-a-Lago. While Donald focused on his political aspirations, Melania maintained a private and family-oriented lifestyle.

When Donald won the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, Melania prepared for a second term as First Lady. Her close advisors, including stylist Hervé Pierre, photographer Regine Mahaux, and interior designer Tham Kannalikham, noted her newfound confidence.

"She's always been hands-on, but she's more free nowadays to make a statement," Regine shared. "She's a different person than she was eight years ago and has always been true to herself. This time, it feels like a different energy with new people that the President has surrounded himself with," they added.

As Melania Trump stepped into her second term as First Lady, those closest to her described her as poised and devoted to her role. Additionally, her marriage was reportedly stronger than ever, as the couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in January 2025.

"There is something in her — the strong woman — but at the same time, there is the soft power; she's really good at balancing her husband," Regine revealed.

Reflecting on the couple's enduring bond, Regine continued, "Sometimes I wonder how she could have the courage to keep on going; they've gone through so much. She's committed. She loves him and he loves her."

Despite their significant age gap, Melania and Donald Trump's relationship has endured. Their unwavering commitment to each other, their son, and their shared ambitions has solidified their marriage, proving that love and loyalty withstand time and scrutiny.