Politics
Finance
A New Era of Entrepreneurship
In a surprising turn of events, Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, has embarked on a journey to build a business empire, mirroring the moneymaking strategies of her husband, Donald Trump. This shift marks a significant departure from her earlier days in the White House, where she maintained a relatively low profile and showed little interest in profiting from politics.
Early Life and Career
Melania Trump grew up in Sevnica, Slovenia, with a flair for the spotlight. She began modeling at the age of six and continued to pursue this career path, eventually moving to New York City in 1996. Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Donald Trump at a party, leading to a marriage proposal in 2004. As the wife of a real estate mogul, Melania's career became increasingly intertwined with her marriage, though she always emphasized the importance of financial independence.
Business Ventures
Before her husband's presidency, Melania dabbled in various business ventures, including jewelry and skincare product lines. However, these endeavors were met with limited success. Her jewelry collections, which included Paris, New York, and Palm Beach lines, sold well initially but failed to sustain momentum, earning her less than $15,000 annually by 2014. A skincare product deal with Indiana businessman Stephen Hilbert also ended in disappointment, with Melania testifying that her partners failed to honor the contract.
Post-White House Ventures
After leaving the White House, Melania has been more aggressive in her business pursuits. She published a memoir titled "Melania," which quickly became a bestseller. Reports suggest that Amazon is set to pay $40 million for the rights to a movie and docuseries about her life. Additionally, Melania has ventured into the world of digital collectibles, releasing a meme token that sparked significant interest among traders. Although the value of these tokens has plummeted, Melania is positioned to receive additional tokens monthly, potentially allowing her to cash out tens of millions of dollars.
A New Era of Influence
Melania's official White House portrait, released recently, reflects her evolving persona as a businesswoman. The photo, which bears a striking resemblance to one of her husband's, projects an image of confidence and power. This transformation from a supportive wife to a business mogul is a testament to Melania's adaptability and ambition.
Conclusion
As Melania Trump navigates her post-White House life, she is charting a path that blends politics with business acumen. Whether through memoirs, digital collectibles, or potential film deals, Melania is leveraging her public profile to build a financial empire. This new chapter in her life marks a significant shift from her earlier years, positioning her as a formidable figure in her own right.
Main Image: Melania Trump's official White House portrait, which mirrors a similar pose by her husband Donald Trump.
Source:
Dan Alexander, Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2025/02/01/after-years-of-making-virtually-no-money-melania-trump-finally-cashes-in/