Visiting Melania’s Homeland
Despite being married to a Slovenian-born First Lady, Donald Trump’s visit to Slovenia was brief. In July 2002, the Trumps made a grand entrance at Ljubljana Brnik airport, touching down in Trump’s luxurious Boeing 727. Their visit lasted only three hours, but it left an indelible mark on Melania’s homeland.
The couple, accompanied by Melania’s parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, enjoyed a delightful dinner at the exquisite Grand Hotel Toplice, nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Bled. According to “The New Yorker,” this fleeting stopover at Lake Bled remains the sole occasion when Donald Trump set foot in Slovenia, making it a truly memorable moment for the Slovenian people.
Her Father's Daughter
Childhood friends of Melania told "The New York Times" that Melania’s father also has a “larger-than-life personality,” quite like Donald’s. Her father, Viktor Knavs, was a member of the Communist Party, which the Times described as “an exclusive club whose members sometimes joined because of career ambitions as much as ideology.”
Knavs managed car and motorcycle dealerships for a state-owned manufacturer. Also written in Times was another fact that her childhood friends disclosed of her father “he carries himself “in a self-assured way that now reminded them of Mr. Trump.”
Trouble With the In-Laws?
In a delightful twist of family dynamics, Melania's parents brought their own comedic flair to the Trump household. While Melania championed her husband's political ambitions, her father, Viktor Knavs, seemed to play the role of the skeptical father-in-law. According to "The New York Times," Knavs would jokingly lament to his longtime friend about Donald Trump's "whiplash-inducing inconsistency" in his political views and actions.
With a puzzled expression, Knavs would wonder aloud why his son-in-law was so determined to take on the demanding role of the President. It seems even in the Trump family, there was room for lighthearted banter and playful disagreements.
Standing by Her Man
According to "The New Yorker," Melania Trump seems to have fully embraced Donald's way of life. She shares his preference for a booze-free existence, just like him! And when it comes to her husband, Melania never lets any criticism bring her down. Even when asked about his unique hairstyle, she's always tight-lipped and won't give in to the temptation to crack a joke.
Oh, and did you notice her signature pout? Yep, "The New Yorker," noticed too! Melania has truly taken on her husband's iconic expression, adding her own flair to their power couple style. It's all part of the Melania and Donald package!
An A-Typical First Lady
Americans have always had certain expectations for their President and First Lady, but Donald and Melania Trump were determined to challenge the norms. Melania's choice to stay in New York rather than immediately move to the White House was just the beginning. During Donald's first State of the Union address, Melania made yet another unconventional move.
Breaking from tradition, she arrived separately from the President and opted to ride with her specially invited guests to the first lady's box. This unexpected twist showed Melania's independent spirit and desire to forge her own path as First Lady. She wasn't afraid to break the mold and put her own unique stamp on the role.