Melania Trump is recognized worldwide as the former First Lady of the United States and wife of former President Donald Trump. However, beyond the glamorous public image and high-profile events, she has carefully guarded many aspects of her private life — especially her deep, lifelong bond with her older sister, Ines Knauss.
Their close relationship traces back to their shared childhood in Sevnica, a small riverside town in Slovenia. Growing up, Melania (born Melanija Knavs) and Ines were raised in a modest but loving household by their father, Viktor, who worked as a car mechanic and managed a local dealership, and their mother, Amalija, a pattern-maker at a children’s clothing factory. The sisters spent countless hours together playing and dreaming, building a bond that would carry them through decades of life changes.
Melania has often described her upbringing as “beautiful,” filled with warmth and support. She credits her parents with instilling in her and Ines a strong sense of discipline, the importance of education, and the value of hard work. Amalija, in particular, inspired Melania’s early love for fashion; she frequently made clothes for her daughters, teaching them an appreciation for design and detail that would later influence both of their paths.
At age 16, Melania’s life took a dramatic turn when she was discovered by prominent Slovenian photographer Stane Jerko. His photos launched her into the world of modeling, where her striking features quickly gained attention. She began traveling to Milan and Paris for work, eventually dropping out of the University of Ljubljana’s design and architecture program to fully dedicate herself to her modeling career.
Throughout this whirlwind transition, Ines was a steadfast supporter. Ines, who had always nurtured dreams of working in the fashion industry herself, often joined Melania abroad, helping her navigate the demanding and competitive world of international modeling. While Melania posed for glossy magazine covers and walked runways, Ines found her own creative outlet behind the scenes, focusing on art and illustration rather than the spotlight.
Ines has always maintained a private life, avoiding the public eye almost entirely. Those who have met her describe her as kind-hearted, deeply creative, and humble — a quiet presence with a gentle spirit. Yet her influence in Melania’s life is undeniable. When Melania married Donald Trump in 2005, it was Ines who stood by her side as her maid-of-honor, symbolizing the profound trust and connection they shared.
Today, Ines is reported to live in a Trump-owned apartment building in Manhattan, only a few blocks away from Melania’s penthouse in Trump Tower. Despite the proximity to power and fame, Ines remains steadfastly private. Her passion for art has continued to flourish; Melania has occasionally shared glimpses of her sister’s illustrations on social media, hinting at Ines’s delicate and thoughtful artistic style.
Friends and family say the sisters’ relationship remains as strong as ever. When Melania gave birth to her son, Barron, in 2006, it was Ines she leaned on most, trusting her above all to help during those first vulnerable months of motherhood. Ines reportedly played an integral role in supporting Melania and Barron during Donald Trump’s presidency, providing emotional stability and grounding Melania amid intense public scrutiny.
Though she shies away from fame, Ines has been one of the most constant and important figures in Melania’s life, serving not only as a sister but as a confidante, creative inspiration, and quiet pillar of strength.
Through every chapter — from small-town Slovenia to the global stage — Ines has stood beside Melania, their bond a testament to the power of sisterhood and family loyalty. Despite Melania’s high-profile public persona, it is clear that her private world is deeply shaped by her relationship with Ines — a relationship built on trust, love, and unwavering support that continues to guide her today.
