In the often glittering yet mysterious world of Melania Trump, one woman has remained largely hidden from the public eye—despite playing an instrumental role in the former first lady’s life. For over two decades, Ines Knauss, Melania’s older sister, has maintained an incredibly private existence, with little known about her despite being described as Melania’s “guiding light” and a constant source of support.

Ines Knauss, now 56, holds a central yet largely unseen role in the Trump family, especially for Melania and her nephew Barron, 18. Sources close to the Trump family have confirmed that while Ines may not appear in the public eye often, she is a crucial figure in their inner circle, offering advice, comfort, and unwavering loyalty.

Despite her low-profile existence, Ines has rarely been photographed or mentioned in public. She was absent from high-profile family events, including her mother Amalija’s funeral in January 2024, and from Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2016.

Yet those closest to Melania claim that Ines remains one of the few people Melania can truly rely on. One source told the Daily Mail, “Melania and Ines are very close, and since their mother’s passing, Ines and their father are probably the two people Melania trusts the most.”

Melania has spoken of her sister with great admiration and affection. In her eponymous biography, published in 2023, she mentions Ines by name 30 times, describing her as “awe-inspiring” and emphasizing the “close bond” they shared from childhood, a bond that only deepened over the years. Ines served as Melania’s maid of honor at her wedding to Donald Trump in 2005, a moment that solidified their familial bond and demonstrated the strength of their relationship.

While not often in the public eye, Ines has occasionally interacted with those close to the Trump family. Italian designer Luisa Bonaccorsi, a longtime friend of Melania, described Ines as “really lovely” but noted her inclination toward privacy. Photographer Ale de Basseville, who met Ines when she was trying to break into the fashion industry, also painted her as a modest, low-key individual—very much unlike the stereotypical image one might expect from the world of high fashion.

Stephanie Winston-Wolkoff, Melania’s former senior aide, also briefly referenced Ines in her memoir, Melania and Me. Although Winston-Wolkoff confessed she didn’t recall much about Ines, she noted her tendency to “fly far below the radar.” Ines’s reticent nature has left many people surprised to learn that Melania even has a sister, furthering the air of mystery surrounding her.

Despite her discreet presence in the public eye, Ines seems to maintain a connection with the outside world via social media. An X (formerly Twitter) account, believed to be managed by Ines herself, features a mix of posts about family, personal reflections, and occasional glimpses into her life. One notable post from December 2023 shows a family photo with Barron Trump, while others showcase childhood images of Melania and Ines.

In a particularly touching post, Ines shared a 2009 email from Melania, asking for help filling out a school questionnaire for Barron. Ines’s response was full of pride for her nephew, calling him “universally unique” and “brilliant,” illustrating her deep affection for him.

There is also some more unusual content on Ines’s social media profiles, including references to Barron as a leader of a “new Atlantis” and cryptic messages about extraterrestrials, adding an enigmatic layer to her online persona. However, what stands out in these posts is an undeniable commitment to her family.

Immigration attorney Michael Wildes, who has known both Ines and Melania for many years, offered further insight into her character. Wildes praised Ines as “extraordinarily talented” and a “fine person,” remarking on her deep dedication to her family and the love she shares with her niece and nephew. “They’re a very close family,” Wildes noted. “Family ranks extremely highly for Mrs. Trump, too. [Melania] doted on her parents while her mother was alive and doted on her sister too.”

Although Ines’s life remains largely private, some aspects of it are known. She has lived in New York City since at least 2015, reportedly residing in a $1.5 million apartment in a building owned by the Trump family. The building, a stunning 1920s skyscraper, was also home to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner before they relocated to Washington, D.C.

Ines’s current lifestyle is a far cry from her childhood in Sevnica, Slovenia, where she and Melania grew up in a modest three-bedroom apartment. The family lived in a close-knit, supportive environment—her father Viktor sold car parts, while her mother Amalija worked as a pattern maker. Melania’s memoir paints a picture of a vibrant, lively home where the girls thrived, with their father teaching them tennis and their mother providing a warm and nurturing environment.

Ines’s talents, particularly in the arts, were evident from an early age. Melania recalls how Ines effortlessly created beautiful works of art, and as the years went on, she developed a reputation for being quietly accomplished, a stark contrast to the more public lives of other family members.

Despite the lack of public appearances, it is clear that Ines Knauss plays a pivotal role in the Trump family. Whether through supporting her sister Melania, guiding her nephew Barron, or simply being a loyal and humble presence in the background, Ines is much more than a shadow in the Trump family’s story. Her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty to her loved ones make her an indispensable part of the First Lady’s inner circle—a guiding light who, although rarely seen, is never far from the family’s heart.


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