Melania Trump’s Quiet Bond with Her Sister Ines Knauss
Melania Trump is best known as the former First Lady of the United States and the wife of former President Donald Trump. While her public life has been widely covered, one deeply personal part of her story often remains out of the spotlight — her close and enduring relationship with her older sister, Ines Knauss.
The sisters grew up together in Sevnica, a small town in Slovenia, then part of Yugoslavia. Born Melanija Knavs, Melania was raised in a modest but loving home alongside Ines. Their father, Viktor, worked as a car mechanic and later managed a car dealership, while their mother, Amalija, was a pattern-maker at a children’s clothing factory. Their childhood was filled with warmth, creativity, and family values.
Melania has often spoken fondly of her upbringing, describing it as “beautiful” and crediting her parents for instilling discipline, education, and a strong work ethic. Her mother’s skills in fashion and design played a key role in shaping both sisters’ creative interests. Amalija frequently made clothes for her daughters, sparking a love of fashion that stayed with them into adulthood.
Melania’s path changed dramatically at 16, when photographer Stane Jerko discovered her and introduced her to modeling. Her career quickly took off, leading her to travel across Europe and eventually drop out of the University of Ljubljana to focus on modeling full-time.
Ines supported her every step of the way. While Melania embraced life in front of the camera, Ines explored her creativity behind the scenes, pursuing art and illustration. She often traveled with Melania and remained a source of emotional and logistical support throughout the highs and lows of a demanding career.
Despite her sister’s rise to global fame, Ines has always kept a low profile. Described by those who know her as gentle, artistic, and kind, she has rarely appeared in public or given interviews. Still, her presence in Melania’s life has been significant. Ines was even Melania’s maid-of-honor at her 2005 wedding to Donald Trump, a quiet but powerful symbol of their bond.
Today, Ines is believed to live in a Trump-owned apartment building in Manhattan, not far from Melania’s Trump Tower residence. Though she continues to stay out of the spotlight, her artwork has occasionally been shared by Melania on social media, offering glimpses into her talent and personality.
Family sources say the sisters remain as close as ever. Ines was a key figure in Melania’s early days of motherhood after the birth of her son, Barron, in 2006. She also reportedly provided steady support throughout Melania’s time in the White House, helping her navigate the intense public scrutiny that came with being First Lady.
While Melania’s life has taken her to the center of global politics and media attention, her relationship with Ines has remained a constant — a source of trust, love, and strength. Their story reflects the deep and lasting power of sisterhood, and how private bonds can endure even in the most public of lives.
