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Melania Trump is celebrating her birthday on April 26 as she resumes her duties at the White House for the second time.
In honor of the first lady’s 55th birthday, Fox News Digital reflects on her journey from her roots in Slovenia to her role in the White House.
The early days
Born on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, Melania Trump came into the world at the Splošna bolnišnica Novo mesto General Hospital, according to public records.
She was baptized at the Church of St. Lawrence, where she was named Melania.
Melania spent her early childhood in an apartment in Sevnica before her family moved to a larger home in the same town.
The Knavs family regularly attended services at the Church of St. Nicholas in Sevnica.
Fox News Digital spoke with Milena Krajnc, Melania Trump’s fifth-grade teacher, who recalled that she was a diligent student keen on helping her classmates.
Hometown ties
According to Srečko Ocvrik, the mayor of Sevnica, the Knavs family was well-regarded and actively engaged in community life.
“Local stories portray the Knavs family positively, highlighting their warm presence and influence,” said Mayor Ocvrik.
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He noted that the 1970s and ’80s were vibrant times for youth, marked by economic growth in the region.
“Slovenia and Sevnica, as part of Central Europe, emphasized a quality of life based on hard work and inclusivity,” he added.
During Melania Trump’s upbringing, Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia, which dissolved in the 1990s, leading to significant cultural shifts in the area.
A local bakery, Okusne Dobrote, even created apple pies to celebrate Melania’s birthday.
Career and family
Beginning her modeling career at 16, Melania gained recognition through high-profile campaigns and philanthropic activities, as noted on the White House website.
She moved to New York in 1996 and became a U.S. citizen a decade later.
On January 22, 2005, Melania married Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, followed by a reception at Mar-a-Lago.
On March 20, 2006, they welcomed their son, Barron William Trump.
In 2010, she launched her own jewelry line, Melania Trump Timepieces and Jewelry.
Last year, she released a memoir titled “Melania,” which became a best-seller.
Politics and philanthropy
Melania Trump holds the distinction of being the second first lady born outside the U.S., following Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams.
She is also the first first lady to achieve naturalized citizenship.
During her initial time as first lady, Melania launched the “BE BEST” initiative, focusing on the critical issues affecting children in the U.S.
With a mission “to encourage children to BE BEST in their individual paths and highlight the importance of social, emotional, and physical health,” the initiative focuses on three primary pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.
Additionally, she established Fostering the Future, a BE BEST initiative offering scholarships to youth in foster care.
Through her platforms, she aims to raise funds using blockchain technology for scholarships.
In her philanthropic endeavors, Melania has served in various leadership roles, including chairwoman of the American Heart Association and honorary chairwoman of the Boys’ Club of New York.
Most recently, she celebrated the passage of the “Take it Down Act,” a significant step towards safeguarding children from online threats.
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