She met Donald Trump in 1998 at a party and married him in 2005 after a highly publicized courtship. Their son, Barron, was born in 2006. While her modeling career ended, her refined style and reserved strength continued to attract attention.

During Trump’s presidency, Melania chose a low-profile role, prioritizing privacy over publicity. She delayed moving into the White House to focus on Barron’s schooling and kept her distance from the campaign spotlight. Her hometown, Sevnica, saw a tourism boom during Trump’s term, though reactions were mixed. Some were proud; others indifferent. Photographer Jerko still remembers her fondly: “She had something special—intelligence, grace, and vision.”