Who are Melania Trump's parents? Meet Viktor and Amalija Knavs spotted strolling at Mar-a-Lago
After exiting the White House, former President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump headed to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. It is said to have become the couple’s full-time residence after moving out of Washington, DC. While Trump is busy putting the legal team together for his second impeachment trial, his parents-in-law paid Melania’s Florida residence a visit over the weekend on January 31.
In some latest photos, the couple is seen strolling about the massive property. While Melania’s mother sported a floral dress with a coat wrapped around, her father was clad in a pair of casuals.
Who are Melania Trump’s parents?
Melania Trump was born to father Viktor Knavs and mother Amalija in Slovenia. While her father was from a nearby town of Radece, her mother hailed from the village of Raka. Viktor is said to have managed car and motorcycle dealerships for a state-owned vehicle manufacturer, Amalija worked as a patternmaker at the children's clothing manufacturer Jutranjka in Sevnica. As children Melania and her siblings participated in the fashion shows held at the manufacturing unit, carrying the children’s clothing.
It was reported in 2018 that Melania’s parents had been sworn in as United States citizens. The couple was living in Washington DC and they reportedly obtained their green cards in February 2018. They awaited their naturalization oath when Trump was under scrutiny for his immigration policies. According to Town and Country magazine, Viktor allegedly listed Mar-a-Lago as his residence in 2007.
While Viktor and Amalija’s attorney Michael Wildes said that the couple had satisfied all the requirements to have US citizenship, including holding their green cards for five years, it is unclear as to when they moved to the country. However, Wildes said, "The application, the process, the interview was no different than anybody else's, other than the security arrangements to facility today. This is an example of it going right. They're very excited."
Knavs’ close ties with Trumps and the White House
Viktor and Amalija became familiar faces in public after they accompanied Melania and Barron Trump when they moved from Trump Tower in New York City to the White House during the summer of 2017. They were often seen traveling with the former president and their daughter.
During her Republic National Convention speech in the White House garden, Melania thanked her parents in her address and said, My parents worked very hard to ensure our family could not only live and prosper in America, but also contribute to a nation that allows for people to arrive with a dream and make it a reality. I want to take the moment to thank my mother and father for all that they have done for our family. It is because of you that I am standing here today.” At the event, they were seen seated right behind Trump.
Apparently, Barron is very close to his grandparents and he even converses with them in Slovenian.