Donald Trump and Melania Trump have shared a long, eventful journey that spans decades — from their first meeting to becoming America’s First Family

As a couple, they have weathered the public spotlight, numerous political campaigns, and even an assassination attempt in recent months

Here’s a look at some pivotal moments in their relationship and public life

Donald Trump and Melania Knauss first crossed paths in 1998 at a New York Fashion Week party organized by former modelling agent Paolo Zampolli

In a 2016 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Melania recalled her reaction: “He wanted my number, but he was with a date, so of course I didn’t give it to him… I said, ‘I am not giving you my number; you give me yours, and I will call you” 

Trump handed over all his contact numbers, and she eventually reached out. “I was struck by his energy,” she later said. “He has an amazing sense of vitality”

In 2000, as Trump made his first attempt at presidential politics by vying for the Reform Party nomination, the couple temporarily parted ways

Trump told The New York Times, “Melania is an amazing woman, a terrific woman, a great woman… And she will be missed

The Met Gala served as the backdrop for Trump’s proposal to Melania in 2004. After attending the glamorous event, Trump surprised her with an engagement ring

In January 2005, Donald and Melania exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Their wedding reception included a host of high-profile guests

The Trumps welcomed their son, Barron, on March 20, 2006

Trump, known for his business-first approach, said in an interview with Larry King, “I may never see the kids, frankly… She will be an unbelievable mother

In 2016, Donald Trump embarked on a successful campaign for the U.S. presidency. Melania supported him, calling him a “hard worker” and a “great leader”

Trump also praised her, telling supporters in Wisconsin, “She’s an incredible mother… and I have to say, she will make an unbelievable First Lady”

While Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President in January 2017, Melania and Barron waited until June to join him in Washington, D.C., after Barron completed his school year

As Donald Trump announced his run for the presidency again in 2024, he addressed questions about Melania’s involvement on the campaign trail

In a Meet the Press interview, he shared, “She’s a private person, a great person, very confident… she’ll be, at the appropriate time, out there.” Trump also admitted, “Honestly, I like to keep her away from it. It’s so nasty and so mean”

In July 2024, an attempted assassination of Donald Trump left the nation shaken

Melania expressed her feelings in a heartfelt statement: “When I watched that violent bullet strikes my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change,” she wrote. She also thanked the Secret Service agents and law enforcement officials for their bravery

Later, Melania joined Trump on stage at the Republican National Convention, where he publicly thanked her for her support