Melania Trump, widely recognized as the wife of former President Donald Trump, maintains a relatively private personal life, especially regarding her close relationship with her older sister, Ines Knauss. The sisters grew up together in Sevnica, Slovenia, raised by their parents Viktor, a car mechanic, and Amalija, a pattern-maker, who instilled in them the values of education, hard work, and family.

Melania fondly recalls her childhood as “beautiful,” highlighting her mother’s influence in nurturing her early interest in fashion design. Amalija often made clothes for her daughters, encouraging creativity. At 16, Melania was discovered by photographer Stane Jerko, which launched her modeling career. She eventually left the University of Ljubljana to focus on modeling, landing contracts in Milan and later the United States. Throughout this journey, Ines supported her sister’s ambitions and accompanied her.

While Ines has stayed largely out of the public eye, those who know her describe her as gentle, creative, and humble. She served as Melania’s maid-of-honor at her wedding to Donald Trump and has remained a trusted confidante. Her role in Melania’s life goes beyond family—she has been a steady presence through many milestones.

Currently, Ines reportedly lives in a Trump-owned building in Manhattan, near Melania’s Trump Tower penthouse. Known as an artist, Ines’s illustrations have even been shared by Melania on social media, offering a glimpse into her creative world. Their bond remains strong, with friends noting the deep connection they share.

When Melania gave birth to her son Barron, it was Ines she trusted the most. Though she maintains a quiet profile, Ines’s influence and support have been a vital part of Melania’s life—both during her rise to fame and in her role as former First Lady.