July 4, 2025 – Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, has had a high-profile personal life that has often drawn public attention, particularly his three marriages. As a public figure whose relationships have been covered extensively by media outlets, Trump’s marital history offers insight into his personal evolution alongside his political and business endeavors. Below is a detailed look at his marriages to Ivana Zelníčková, Marla Maples, and Melania Knauss, based on verified information from reputable sources.
Ivana Zelníčková (1977–1992)
Donald Trump married his first wife, Ivana Zelníčková, a Czech model and businesswoman, on April 7, 1977, in a lavish ceremony at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. The couple met in 1976 at a Manhattan bar, where Ivana, then a model, caught Trump’s attention. Their marriage was a cornerstone of Trump’s rise to prominence in the 1980s, with Ivana playing a significant role in managing Trump Organization properties, including Trump Tower and the Plaza Hotel. Together, they had three children: Donald Jr. (born 1977), Ivanka (born 1981), and Eric (born 1984).
The marriage faced challenges in the late 1980s, culminating in a highly publicized divorce. Reports of Trump’s affair with actress Marla Maples surfaced, notably after a 1989 confrontation at an Aspen ski resort, as detailed in tabloid coverage at the time. The divorce was finalized in 1992, with Ivana receiving a reported $14 million settlement, real estate, and child support. Despite the contentious split, Trump and Ivana maintained a cordial relationship post-divorce, with Ivana expressing support for his political career before her death in 2022.
Marla Maples (1993–1999)
Trump’s second marriage was to Marla Maples, a Georgia-born actress and model, on December 20, 1993, at the Plaza Hotel in New York, attended by 1,000 guests, including high-profile figures like O.J. Simpson and Rosie O’Donnell. The couple’s relationship began in the late 1980s, and they welcomed their daughter, Tiffany Trump, in October 1993, two months before their wedding. Maples, who appeared in films like Maximum Overdrive and on Broadway, was often described as a quieter presence compared to Ivana.
The marriage lasted six years, with the couple separating in 1997 and finalizing their divorce in 1999. Media reports, including those from People magazine, cited differing lifestyles and Trump’s focus on his business empire as factors in the split. Maples received a settlement estimated at $2 million and has since maintained a low profile, focusing on raising Tiffany and pursuing spiritual and wellness interests. In recent years, Maples has spoken positively about co-parenting with Trump, emphasizing their daughter’s well-being.
Melania Knauss (2005–Present)
Trump married Melania Knauss, a Slovenian-born model, on January 22, 2005, in a $1 million wedding at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The event, attended by celebrities like Elton John and Bill and Hillary Clinton, featured Melania in a $100,000 Dior gown. The couple met in 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party, and their relationship developed steadily, with an engagement announced in 2004. They welcomed their son, Barron Trump, in 2006.
Melania, who became a U.S. citizen in 2006, has been a polarizing figure, particularly during Trump’s presidency. As First Lady (2017–2021), she focused on initiatives like the Be Best campaign, addressing children’s issues, but faced scrutiny over her limited public role and past modeling career. Despite speculation about their marriage, especially during Trump’s legal battles and 2024 campaign, Melania has remained supportive, appearing at key events like the Republican National Convention. As of July 2025, they remain married, residing primarily at Mar-a-Lago.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Trump’s marriages have been a media fixation, often framed within the context of his larger-than-life persona. His first marriage to Ivana symbolized his 1980s real estate dominance, while his relationship with Maples fueled tabloid frenzy. Melania’s tenure as First Lady drew both admiration and criticism, with some praising her elegance and others questioning her reticence. Posts on X reflect ongoing public interest, with users like @PoliticalInsider noting the contrast between Trump’s public bravado and private family dynamics, though such sentiments are inconclusive without broader context.
Each marriage reflects distinct phases of Trump’s life: Ivana as the ambitious partner in his business peak, Maples as a brief romantic chapter, and Melania as the reserved counterpart during his political ascent. While controversies, including allegations of infidelity, have shadowed his relationships, Trump has maintained that his family remains a priority, often highlighting his children’s roles in his business and political ventures.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s marital history—spanning Ivana Zelníčková (1977–1992), Marla Maples (1993–1999), and Melania Knauss (2005–present)—offers a window into his personal and public evolution. From high-profile divorces to his current marriage, these relationships have shaped his image as a businessman, media figure, and president. As Trump navigates his second term, his family life continues to draw attention, underscoring the intersection of personal choices and public scrutiny.