Melania Trump reflects on motherhood

WASHINGTON — Eleven days before her husband was to be sworn in for his second term as president, first lady Melania Trump headed straight to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City after attending former President Jimmy Carter's funeral in Washington, DC.

It was the first anniversary of her mother’s death, and she wanted to light a candle in her memory at a church her mom used to frequent.

This personal moment, portraying how close she was to her mother, was captured in the documentary "Melania." Ahead of Mother's Day, USA TODAY reached out to the first lady with written questions about her relationship with her mother and the bond she shared with her son, Barron.

The famously reclusive first lady offered USA TODAY a glimpse behind the curtain of her role as a mother and daughter, agreeing to provide written responses to questions.

The answers described how Trump leaned on her mother to keep her son rooted in the Slovenian culture of her birth while raising him in her adopted country. She also discussed how her own sense of style and attention to detail was inspired by her fashion designer mother.

Amalija Knavs, who died Jan. 9, 2024, at the age of 78, helped give Barron a "strong connection to his Slovenian roots" through food, language and books, wrote the first lady.

Amalija and her husband, Viktor Knavs, who lived in Slovenia, where the first lady was born, began spending a lot of time in the United States to be near their only grandson, Barron, after he was born in 2006, said a close associate of the first lady.

Barron, 20, who is now a New York University student, has been a subject of intense public interest. Like his mother, however, he is very private and rarely appears at White House events. After his freshman year at NYU's main campus, he transferred to the school's Washington, DC, campus and lives in the White House.

Immigrant roots

Melania Trump, the wife of President Donald Trump, is the first and only naturalized U.S. citizen to serve as first lady. Born in Slovenia in 1970, she obtained her U.S. citizenship in 2006.

The first lady described the bond her mother and son developed as "magical" and said Barron spoke to his grandparents in Slovenian from a young age.

The first lady, a former model whose outfits are endlessly dissected on social media, said her mother, a designer of children's clothes in Sevnica, Slovenia, shaped her perspective on fashion and business. In fact, the first time Trump walked on a fashion runway at age 6, modeling children's clothes, she was wearing her mother's creations, according to her book "Melania."

Below are Melania Trump's answers to USA TODAY questions:

Question: How did you celebrate Mother’s Day in Slovenia?Melania Trump: In Slovenia we celebrated Mother's Day on March 8, on International Women's Day. The two moments together created a beautiful reminder of the strength and love all mothers and women bring into our lives.

Long ago, in my art class, I created a special painting of my mom, capturing her essence on canvas. She cherished it, along with so many of my other art creations, showing me the power of love, encouragement, and heritage.What role did your mother play in bringing up Barron? And how did it influence him?MT: My mother was the epitome of love and warmth, and for Barron, a grandmother who filled every moment with joy and wisdom. Every story she read to Barron sparked his imagination, and every game they played strengthened their bond. Her delicious meals were more than just food; they were a celebration of togetherness. Did Barron and your mother have any family rituals?MT: My mother and Barron had a distinct bond, beginning with her gentle embrace. When Barron was young, they often cuddled, played Barron’s favorite games, and read books together. I would often hear their laughter and personally felt their joy, knowing they were creating unforgettable memories together. Their connection was so magical. And I loved watching it. What did the support of your parents in bringing up Barron mean to you?MT: Their love, wisdom, and guidance created a strong foundation for Barron, which nurtured his growth and potential. My parents' dedication is irreplaceable, and it inspires me to provide the same for Barron as he navigates his own path.

Was there anything your mother did to ensure Barron was rooted in Slovenian culture even though he was growing up in New York?MT: Absolutely! She made sure that Barron felt a strong connection to his Slovenian roots by sharing books and stories from our childhood. By preparing traditional Slovenian dishes, my mother filled our home with delicious aromas but also connected Barron to his heritage.

What language did they speak in with each other (Barron and grandmother)?MT: Barron and my mother shared a lovely bond through the Slovenian language, a beautiful connection that celebrates their heritage. Both speaking the same language allowed them to communicate deeply and meaningfully. Your mother was a patternmaker and fashion designer. How did that influence your sense of fashion and business?

MT: Her passion for design and meticulous attention to detail inspired my deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship.

Her ability to blend artistry with entrepreneurship taught me that fashion is not just about style; it’s about creating connections and empowering others through creativity.What advice do you have for young mothers bringing up their kids today?MT: To all the young mothers out there: shower your children with love and support and always communicate openly. See them as their own unique individuals, not merely as extensions of yourself. Encourage them to explore their passions and respect their choices, honoring their decision to declare “yes” and “no.”

Guide them with wisdom but establish a foundation of freedom where they can carve their own life path.

Remember, they’re here to live their lives, and your nurturing spirit will help them shine.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal.