Meet Donald Trump’s Slovenian in-laws: how did Melania’s parents Viktor and Amalija Knavs go from a two-bedroom flat to living at the White House?

Dec 25 , 2020

Who are Viktor and Amalija Knavs, Melania Trump’s parents? Photo: AFP, EPA-EFE

Melania Trump wasn’t born into luxury – but the life changes have been even bigger for her parents Viktor and Amalija Knavs, who come from a humble background in Sevnica but now live in the White House to look after the Trumps’ son Barron

Melania Trump didn’t grow up surrounded by the luxury she’s enjoyed for the past few decades. But while the Slovenian former model’s life has changed immeasurably since she landed in New York back in 1996, it’s been an even wilder roller coaster ride for her parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, who are the ultimate reminder of her life before Donald Trump.

Humble beginnings

A picture of Melania Trump’s parents uploaded to social media by her sister, Ines Knauss. Photo: @inesknauss2018/Instagram

The couple met in the Slovenian (then Yugoslav) town of Sevnica in 1966 when Viktor was a chauffeur for the mayor of a nearby town and Amalija was a patternmaker for a children’s clothing company. They lived in a two-bedroom flat until Viktor started earning more money as a car salesman.

Melania Trump’s family. Photo: @inesknauss2018/Instagram

They were doing well for themselves by the time they had their two daughters, first Ines in 1968 and then Melania, two years later. Viktor also has a son from a previous relationship that he’s never met.

To this day the family have a house in Sevnica and visit the town a few times a year.

Lavish living

Viktor and Amalija Knavs, parents of first lady Melania Trump, at the White House in Washington, in June 2017. Photo: AP