Melania Trump began her academic journey at the University of Ljubljana, where she studied architecture and design. However, after one year, she decided to follow her passion for modeling and moved to Milan, a major hub for the fashion industry. Starting at the age of 16, she quickly gained recognition in both Paris and Milan, working with top designers and appearing in prestigious fashion shows. Over the years, her work was featured in internationally renowned publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and Sports Illustrated, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the industry.
Standing at 180 cm (5’11”), Melania is among the tallest First Ladies in American history, a distinction she shares with Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama. Her background as a model and businesswoman brought a unique perspective to the role, setting her apart from many of her predecessors.
She is also the second Catholic First Lady in U.S. history, following Jacqueline Kennedy. Throughout her time in the White House, she focused on initiatives related to children’s well-being and online safety. Unlike previous First Ladies, Melania chose to delay her move to the White House for five months after Donald Trump’s inauguration, opting to stay in New York until their son Barron completed the fifth grade. This decision underscored her commitment to ensuring stability for her son during the transition.
In 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s second inauguration, Melania introduced her own cryptocurrency, the $Melania coin, following the launch of the $Trump coin. The move reflected her growing interest in digital assets and financial innovation, positioning her within the expanding world of blockchain technology.