Who Are Melania Trump’s Parents? Know All About Viktor And Amalija Knavs And Their Lives From Slovenia To The US

Reflecting on the intriguing life stories of individuals like Melania Trump and her parents, Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs, I am struck by their remarkable journeys that have been intertwined with the high-profile life of one of the most powerful men in the world.


Ever since I became an ardent follower of Melania Trump, the enigmatic First Lady, I’ve often pondered about the lives that shaped her – particularly her parents. Well, for those of you who share my curiosity, here’s a glimpse into the lives of Viktor and Amalija Knavs. They are the very people who nurtured the woman who captivated our hearts as the wife of the former U.S. President.

Originating from Slovenia, this pair boasts experience in both the fashion and automobile sales sectors. Their hometown lies approximately an hour’s drive away from the national capital. Following their daughter’s union with Donald Trump, they ultimately decided to relocate to the United States and eventually secured permanent residency status.

Let’s take a look at the journey of this loving couple, from Slovenia to the USA.

Melania Trump’s mother Amalija Knavs and father Viktor Knavs met in the 1960s

According to GQ, Melania Trump’s parents, Viktor Knavs and Amaljia Knavs, first met each other in Slovenia when it was still part of Yugoslavia in the year 1966. They subsequently settled in Sevnica, a small town located in the hills, where they purchased an apartment together.

In those days, I too found myself part of the Communist Party in Sevnica. As Melania Trump’s father, Viktor Knavs, my life intertwined with the political landscape. According to The New York Times, he served as a chauffeur for the mayor of a nearby town and subsequently held the same position for the head of Jutranjka, the government-owned textile factory.

Amalija worked at the same factory as a patternmaker.

Melania Trump’s parents have two daughters 

Melania Trump and her mother, Viktor Knavs, have two daughters: Ines, born in 1968, and Melania in 1970. Apart from the two sisters, Viktor also has a son, Denis Cigelnjak, from a previous relationship.

The two girls grew up in Sevnica and Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Yet, during their leisure time, they ventured to France, Italy, and Germany.

Melania Trump’s mother Amalija Knavs belonged to the fashion industry

As a dedicated admirer looking back at Melania Trump’s roots, I can’t help but marvel at the journey of her mother, Amalija. Following years spent working on our family’s red onion farm, she ventured into a new chapter at the Jutranjka state textile factory, as reported by The New York Times. Over time, her diligence earned her a coveted role as a patternmaker within a children’s clothing factory. For an impressive three decades, from 1964 to 1997, Amalija dedicated her skills and passion to this job, shaping the lives of countless young ones through her craft.

According to PEOPLE and as mentioned in Betty Boyd Caroli’s 2019 book, it was Amalija who paved the way or set the groundwork for Melania’s career in fashion and modeling.

Melania Trump’s father, Viktor Knavs was a car salesman

Previously employed as a chauffeur, Viktor Knavs transitioned into a traveling salesman for automobiles from a state-run company. Later on, he established a business selling bicycles and auto parts in Ljubljana.

In a conversation with GQ, Melania mentioned in 2016 that both her father and her husband, Donald Trump, are not only diligent but also highly intelligent individuals.

In completely contrasting settings, they were both raised, yet they share identical values and traditions,” was the observation made by the former first lady of the United States.

Donald Trump is close in age to Melania’s parents

Discussing Melania Trump’s family and her spouse, it’s interesting to note that they were all born quite close in time: Viktor, Amalija, and Donald Trump are separated by just two years. As for the age difference between Donald Trump and Melania, the former U.S. President is 24 years senior to the former model.

Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs were each born in separate years: Viktor on March 24, 1944, and Amalija on July 9, 1945. Donald Trump, however, was born a year later on June 14, 1946.

Melania Trump’s parents lived in the White House 

During Donald Trump’s term as president, Viktor and Amalija Knavs resided in the White House. They typically stayed in a suite that had previously belonged to Barack Obama’s mother, according to The New York Times.

Simultaneously, Melania Trump’s parents lived in an apartment at Trump Tower, New York, as well as at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

The pair continued to hold real estate in Slovenia, maintaining connections with the European area. It was previously reported by GQ magazine in 2016 that Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs owned a home in Sevnica, which they visited approximately two to three times each year.

Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs became the US citizens in 2018

Back in August 2018, Viktor and Amalija Knavs were granted their U.S. citizenship. While Melania facilitated the green cards for her parents, they submitted their citizenship application once they met the eligibility requirements.

Both Viktor Knavs and Amalija Knavs share a close bond with their grandchild

Barron Trump, the youngest child of Melania and Donald Trump, was deeply cherished by both Viktor and Amalija. Not only could Barron communicate fluently in two languages, but he also had engaging conversations with his Slovenian grandmother. Their presence played a significant role in Barron’s life since they resided with their daughter to assist her in raising the child.

Amalija Knavs passed away in January 2024

It was on January 9, 2024, that Melania announced her mother Amalija, had died at the age of 78.

In a message to X, Melania expressed her sorrow by saying, “I regretfully inform you about the death of my cherished mother, Amalija.

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2024-09-27 13:54