A look back at Donald and Melania Trump’s relationship timeline

Melania Trump returned to the spotlight last week in her first public appearance since her kidney procedure nearly a month ago. President Trump welcomed his wife with some kind words: “We're very proud of her, she's done a fantastic job as first lady. People love you. The people of our country love you. Thank you, honey.” The sweet gesture had us thinking, how did the Trumps first fall in love? Before Donald Trump had aspirations of becoming president of the United States, he had his eye on the future first lady, Melania. The pair met at a party during New York Fashion Week in 1998. Melania had been in the U.S. for only two years. They started dating, and sparks flew. “Something was there right away,” Melania recalled. The two were very much into the social scene, becoming a staple at sports and entertainment events. They never missed a photo opp or a chance to make a red carpet fashion statement. Donald and Melania even had a cameo in the 2001 movie “Zoolander.” In 2004, Trump popped the question, and a year later, they were married in Palm Beach, Fla., with a reception at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Bill and Hillary Clinton were among the 350 guests invited to the lavish affair. Fast-forward 14 months, and they welcomed their son, Barron. The couple have been very private about their relationship. They even gave us a rare PDA moment in 2009, sharing a kiss during a baseball game. They’ve also shared some sweet Instagram snaps. Their official 2017 Christmas portrait inside the White House showed the hand-holding pair smiling from ear to ear. Melania has been very supportive of her husband of 13 years. Whether he was promoting his business ventures, or announcing he was running for president in 2015, she’s been by his side. In 2017, Donald and Melania officially became president and first lady. During the inauguration, the pair celebrated with a kiss on the cheek and an embrace. “We just are very compatible. We get along,” Trump said about his wife.