Melania Trump’s surprising response when asked if she was just with Trump for money

Melania Trump first met Donald Trump in 1998. At the time, she was 28 years old and working as a model, while Donald was already a well-known businessman at 52.

People immediately began speculating about their relationship, especially because of their age difference and Donald’s wealth. Some questioned Melania’s intentions, assuming she might be with him only for money.

But Melania has always defended herself and her choices. In a 1999 interview, not long after they started dating publicly, she responded to accusations that she was only interested in Donald because he was rich.

She said people didn’t really know her and had no right to judge her. When the interviewer suggested that it was unusual for a young model to be dating an older, wealthy man, Melania pointed out that material things can’t give you love, warmth, or emotional connection.

She explained that you can’t hug a fancy apartment or have a real conversation with a luxury car. If someone thought she was only with him because he was famous or wealthy, they clearly didn’t understand who she was.

Donald proposed to her in 2004, six years after they first met, and they got married in 2005. The following year, they had their only child together, a son named Barron. Donald already had four other children from his two previous marriages.

Even before she became First Lady, Melania was asked if she could ever see herself in that role. She said yes, and that if she ever were to become First Lady, she would be very traditional, like Jackie Kennedy. She said she would support her husband, take on social responsibilities, and even be willing to give up her modeling career to stand by him.

During her time in the White House, Melania received a lot of criticism, mostly because people felt she wasn’t very visible or active in political matters. Some thought she was too quiet or too reserved. But before Donald’s 2025 inauguration, Melania gave an interview to explain how she felt about all the judgment.

She said that people had the wrong idea about her. She wasn’t just “the president’s wife” she was an independent woman with her own opinions. She admitted that she didn’t always agree with Donald, and sometimes gave him advice he followed, and sometimes he didn’t, and that was fine with her.

She also said that people didn’t understand her during her first time as First Lady. She felt like she was being true to herself the whole time, but that the public didn’t accept or see that. Now, as she looks ahead, she wants to do more with her “Be Best” campaign.

The program focuses on helping children live healthier lives  encouraging good physical habits, online safety, and raising awareness about drug abuse, especially opioids.

At 55, Melania Trump is still often seen as private and reserved, but she continues to stand her ground and shape her own path, even in the public eye.