The Quiet Life Of Viktor Knavs: 7 Surprising Facts About Melania Trump's Father In 2025

As of late 2025, Melania Trump's father, Viktor Knavs, remains a figure of quiet influence within the Trump family, a private man whose life journey from communist-era Slovenia to the inner circle of a US President is nothing short of extraordinary. His profile has gained renewed attention, particularly following the passing of his wife and Melania's mother, Amalija Knavs, in January 2024, an event that reshaped his personal life and public visibility. The 81-year-old patriarch continues to split his time between the opulence of Mar-a-Lago and New York, maintaining a close, supportive presence for his daughter and, most notably, his grandson, Barron Trump. This article delves into the most current and surprising facts about Viktor Knavs, a man whose reserved demeanor belies a fascinating and complex past.

Viktor Knavs: A Brief Biography and Current Status (2025)

Viktor Knavs is the father of former First Lady Melania Trump and the father-in-law of former President Donald J. Trump. Born under a communist regime, his life story is a profound contrast to his current status as a naturalized US citizen and a fixture in one of America's most prominent political families.

• Full Name: Viktor Knavs
• Date of Birth: March 24, 1944
• Age (2025): 81 years old
• Place of Birth: Radeče, then part of Yugoslavia (now Slovenia)
• Wife: Amalija Knavs (née Ulčnik) (Deceased: January 9, 2024)
• Children: Melania Trump (née Melanija Knavs) and Ines Knavs
• Nationality: Slovenian-American (Naturalized US Citizen in August 2018)
• Former Occupation: Chauffeur, Traveling Car Salesman, Bicycle and Car Parts Shop Owner
• Residences: Split time between Mar-a-Lago (Palm Beach, Florida) and Trump Tower (New York City)

The Profound Shift: Life After Amalija Knavs’ Passing in 2024

The biggest and most recent personal development in Viktor Knavs’ life was the death of his beloved wife, Amalija Knavs, on January 9, 2024, at the age of 78. The loss marked the end of a long and private partnership that began when the couple met in the 1960s.

Amalija, a former textile factory worker, was known for her quiet strength and her dedicated role in raising Melania and her older sister, Ines Knavs.

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Following her death, Viktor Knavs has maintained his private nature, relying on the close support of his family. Melania Trump herself described her mother as a "strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity." The period of mourning and adjustment has kept Viktor Knavs largely out of the public eye, a pattern he has always preferred.

Their joint naturalization as US citizens in 2018, which was facilitated through Melania’s sponsorship—a process often referred to as "chain migration," a policy Donald Trump has publicly opposed—was a defining moment in their American journey. This step allowed them to permanently reside in the United States and be close to their daughter and grandson.

The Unexpected Bond: Viktor Knavs and Barron Trump

One of the most consistently reported facts about Viktor Knavs is his "extremely close" relationship with his grandson, Barron Trump. This bond has been a constant in the family's life, from their time in the White House to their current residences.

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Viktor Knavs and Barron Trump are often seen together, particularly at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. Their connection is often cited as a key reason Melania Trump’s parents spent so much time with the family, acting as co-parents and primary caregivers during Donald Trump's presidency.

Their relationship is a quiet testament to the enduring role of a grandfather. Viktor Knavs is known to share his love for European culture and his reserved, dignified demeanor with his tall grandson. This supportive role was highlighted by his attendance at key family events, including Barron’s high school graduation and, significantly, the 2025 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The presence of Viktor Knavs at the January 20, 2025, ceremony, where Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president, demonstrated his continued, albeit quiet, support for the Trump family.

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From Communist Chauffeur to American In-Law: Viktor's Slovenian Past

Viktor Knavs’ early life in Slovenia, then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, offers a fascinating contrast to his current life of privilege.

He was raised in the small, hilly town of Sevnica, a community where he spent his formative years and raised his family. His professional career began in a manner far removed from the world of real estate moguls and political power.

He initially worked as a chauffeur for the local Communist Party officials, a position that required trust and proximity to power within the one-party state. He later transitioned into a traveling car salesman for a state-owned car company, a role that gave him a distinctive, entrepreneurial edge within a socialist economy. He also reportedly owned a small business selling bicycles and car parts.

His background is often noted for its similarities to that of his son-in-law, Donald Trump. Both men are described as possessing a strong, commanding presence and a penchant for expensive cars. However, their political origins are diametrically opposed: one was a member of the Communist Party in Yugoslavia, while the other is a leading figure in the American Republican Party.

Despite their permanent move and US citizenship, Viktor and Amalija Knavs maintained their ties to Sevnica, owning a home there and visiting regularly until Amalija’s passing. This connection to their roots, even while living in the upper echelons of American society, speaks to the deep, long-lasting influence of their Slovenian heritage on the Knavs family.

Today, Viktor Knavs continues his life as a wealthy, retired widower, a quiet observer whose personal journey bridges two vastly different worlds—from the austerity of Eastern Europe under communism to the gilded luxury of the American political elite.