Viktor Knavs: 5 Shocking Facts About Melania Trump's Father, From Communist Roots To Chain Migration Controversy
The life of Viktor Knavs, the father of former First Lady Melania Trump, is a tapestry woven with stark contrasts, spanning from the strictures of communist Yugoslavia to the opulence of Trump Tower and the White House. As of late
Viktor Knavs, a man who shares a remarkably close bond with his daughter and grandson, Barron Trump, has lived an extraordinary life that mirrors the dramatic geopolitical shifts of the late 20th century. His journey from a state-employed car salesman in a small Slovenian town to an American citizen and grandfather to the "First Son" provides a unique lens through which to view the Trump family's inner circle.
Viktor Knavs: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile
Viktor Knavs's biography is a fascinating study in ambition and adaptation, rooted in the history of Central Europe and culminating in the highest echelons of American political life. His early career and political affiliations in a communist state stand in stark opposition to the capitalist, anti-communist rhetoric of his son-in-law, Donald Trump.
- Full Name: Viktor Knavs (pronounced KNAHVS)
- Date of Birth: March 24, 1944
- Place of Birth: Raka, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia)
- Age: 80 (as of 2024)
- Nationality: Slovenian-American
- Spouse: Amalija Knavs (née Ulčnik, 1945–2024)
- Known Children: Melania Trump (née Melanija Knavs), Ines Knavs (sister to Melania)
- Grandchildren: Barron Trump
- Former Residence (Slovenia): Sevnica, Slovenia
- Former Career: Chauffeur, Traveling Car Salesman for a state-owned company (IMV), Manager of a car parts business
- Political Affiliation (Yugoslavia): Member of the League of Communists of Slovenia (part of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia)
- US Citizenship: Naturalized in 2018
The Unexpected Communist Past in Sevnica, Slovenia
One of the most compelling and often-discussed aspects of Viktor Knavs's life is his history in Sevnica, the small industrial town in Slovenia where Melania was raised. The narrative of his life challenges the typical American immigrant story and provides crucial context for Melania's upbringing.
From Chauffeur to Communist Party Member
Viktor Knavs began his professional life as a chauffeur for the mayor of Sevnica, a position of some importance in the local political structure. He later transitioned into a career as a traveling car salesman for a state-owned company, IMV, a job that allowed him to travel and provided his family with a relatively comfortable lifestyle compared to many of their neighbors in then-communist Yugoslavia.
Crucially, Knavs was a member of the League of Communists of Slovenia, the local branch of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. In the one-party system of Yugoslavia under Marshal Josip Broz Tito, membership in the party was not merely a political choice but a prerequisite for career advancement and securing social and economic benefits. This affiliation, which provided a stable and privileged life for his family, stands in stark contrast to the anti-socialist, anti-communist platform that his son-in-law, Donald Trump, has championed throughout his political career.
This historical backdrop is key to understanding the Knavs family's journey. While Melania was exposed to the fashion and glamour of the West through her mother, Amalija, a patternmaker at a children's clothing factory, Viktor's steady, state-sanctioned job ensured stability. This stability eventually allowed Melania to pursue her modeling career, which was the first step on her path to the United States and the Trump family.
The Controversial Path to US Citizenship: The ‘Chain Migration’ Debate
Viktor and Amalija Knavs's naturalization as U.S. citizens in 2018 became a lightning rod for political debate, highlighting a major contradiction in the Trump administration's immigration policy. The couple, who had been living in the U.S. as legal permanent residents, took the oath of citizenship in New York City.
The 'Chain Migration' Irony
The controversy stemmed from the method they used to obtain their citizenship. Their immigration lawyer, Michael Wildes, confirmed that the Knavs utilized the process of "chain migration," or family-based immigration, which allows U.S. citizens to sponsor their relatives for legal residency and citizenship.
The irony was immediately apparent and widely reported: Donald Trump, as president, was a vocal critic of the "chain migration" system, often characterizing it as a threat and advocating for its elimination in favor of a merit-based system. His own in-laws, the parents of the sitting First Lady, benefited directly from the very system he sought to dismantle. This paradoxical situation underscored the complicated realities of immigration policy and the personal connections that often supersede political rhetoric. The Knavs maintained their dual Slovenian citizenship, as Slovenia permits it, offering a continuous link to their European homeland.
Recent Life and The Loss of Amalija Knavs in 2024
Since gaining citizenship, Viktor and Amalija Knavs became a quiet but constant presence in the Trump family's life, often residing in New York and Maryland to be close to their daughter and grandson, Barron Trump. Viktor, in particular, has been noted for his strong, protective bond with Barron, often accompanying him at public events.
A Profound Loss for the Family
The most significant and recent update in Viktor Knavs's life is the death of his wife, Amalija Knavs, on January 9, 2024, at the age of 78. Melania Trump announced the passing with deep sadness, describing her mother as a "strong woman who always carried herself with grace".
Amalija was an integral part of the Trump family's daily life, especially during the White House years, providing a crucial, grounding presence for Melania and acting as a devoted grandmother to Barron. Her death marks a profound personal loss for Viktor, who had been married to Amalija for decades, and represents a significant shift for the entire family as they navigate the loss of their matriarch.
A Grandfather's Enduring Presence
Despite the personal grief, Viktor Knavs has continued to be a supportive figure in his family's public life. His most recent high-profile appearance, which garnered significant media attention, was his attendance at Barron Trump's high school graduation. Photos from the event showed Knavs standing proudly alongside Melania and Donald Trump, underscoring his enduring role as a central, if private, figure in the former First Family's world. His presence at such key milestones highlights the close, intergenerational ties that bind the Knavs and Trump families, a relationship that has consistently transcended the political spotlight.
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