In late 2024, Russian state television reignited global debate over Melania Trump’s past career in fashion. During a segment on the popular political program 60 Minutes, hosts Yevgeny Popov and Olga Skabeyeva discussed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and surprised viewers by displaying images from Melania’s modeling days, including her 2000 GQ magazine feature.
The broadcast quickly drew international attention. Julia Davis, founder of the Russia Media Monitor watchdog group, shared clips on X (formerly Twitter), noting the unusual tone of the segment. “Meanwhile in Russia: this is how the most watched state TV channel in the country welcomed Melania Trump’s upcoming return to the White House,” Davis wrote, highlighting the lighthearted reaction of the presenters.
As the images were shown, Popov spoke about Melania’s history in fashion, remarking that, with her husband’s return to the White House, she too would again step into the global spotlight. His co-host Skabeyeva appeared amused during the discussion, which fueled further conversation about the segment’s intent.
A Look Back at Melania’s Career
Melania Trump began her modeling career in Europe as a teenager after being discovered by Slovenian photographer Stane Jerko. She later signed with an Italian agency and worked in Milan and Paris before moving to New York in the mid-1990s. Over the next decade, she appeared in campaigns and magazines for well-known fashion houses.
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