And to think, their relationship almost didn’t happen.
Donald did just that, giving the Yugoslavian model every number in his arsenal.
Struck by his “vitality,” Melania soon gave him a call and the pair started dating.
By 2004, he had popped the question to his 24-years-younger girlfriend, and the rest was history.
However, before Donald Trump secured his victory in the presidential election, he had to campaign.
So, he attended every rally he could in the lead-up to the big night.
The first hurdle was becoming a presidential nominee.
On July 18, the Trumps attended the first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.
When Donald took the stage, he was joined by none other than Melania, his third wife.
During her speech, she highlighted her husband’s kindness.
“This kindness is not always noted, but it is there for all to see.
Donald pulled a face as she did so, seemingly welcoming this public show of affection from his wife.
After looking at one of their embraces, Wood stated, “That was not even a real hug.
… She also didn’t go in close.
… That was really odd.
There was no real warmth.”
Regardless, Melania seemed happy to be there to support her husband.
Donald said as much on an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011.
“I really think that we have a very good friendship.
We’ve had a very good relationship and a really great friendship.”
What’s more, they seemed to be a strong team who respected one another.
As Melania stated, “To be married to my husband, you oughta be very smart, quick.
you oughta be very independent in a way.”
Even before she was the first lady, Melania was a source of intrigue for the press.
What’s more, there’d been chatter about whether or not Melania was happy in her marriage.
There are 24 years between the two, making Melania 35 when she said her vows.
Even back then, the couple knew how to work their angles and give the media what they wanted.
“[Melania] is terrific in bed,” Trump said.
“She wouldn’t want me to say that, but she is.”
When Melania introduced Donald, he embraced her and the two shared a kiss.
As his supporters cheered him on, Donald hugged Melania before they kissed on the lips.
The two also held hands as they walked side by side at the event.
The same year, Melania spoke on her husband’s behalf at theRepublican National Convention.
If Melania ever felt differently at the time, she didn’t show it.
During the event, the Trumps stayed by one another’s side.
Melania happened to be the host of the event, and she spoke to the attendees accordingly.
When Melania turned the podium over to her husband, he began by singing her praises.
“She’s become a very, very popular First Lady.
I’m reading that,” he said.
“And I’m reading I’m seeing all those stories, and they love Melania.”
Judging by the photos from the evening, Donald approved of his wife’s look.
Throughout the night, they embraced, danced, held hands, and kissed.
While these interactions certainly seemed adoring on the surface, body language expert Patti Wood had a different take.
For better or worse, Donald Trump saw out his term in the White House amid much turmoil.
Through it all, Melania Trump was there.
At one point during the RNC, Donald pulled Melania toward him and gave her a quick kiss.
He welcomes different points of view and encourages thinking outside of the box.”
In 2019, the couple hosted another celebration for military mothers in the East Room of the White House.
While it might read as a tender moment to some, others not so much.
As they made their way through the White House the Trumps were also photographed holding hands tightly.
After Melania was done with her address, Donald took the podium and thanked her.
The world looked on in amazement as he won the presidency, culminating with his inauguration in January 2017.
The couple beamed throughout the day and were often pictured holding hands or embracing.
Sounds sweet, right?
Alas, their interactions didn’t read that way to everyone.
I don’t see any warmth or true love and compassion in that relationship whatsoever."
He said (via theIndependent), “I want to thank all of our supporters.
My number one supporter Melania thank you, honey.”
