Donald Trump married his first wife, Ivana Zelníčková, on January 22, 1977, in a ceremony in New York City. This evergreen explainer clarifies which woman was his first spouse and provides a concise, verified timeline of all of his marriages to resolve confusion. Below, you will find a factual summary of each union, with dates, names, and context for why each relationship matters in public records.
Overview of Donald Trump’s Marriages
Donald Trump has been married three times. His first marriage was to Ivana Zelníčková, and it began in 1977. This article walks through each marriage, placing them in chronological order so that the identity of his first wife and the date of their wedding are immediately clear.
Marriage #1: Ivana Zelníčková
Key Details
Trump married Ivana Zelníčková on January 22, 1977, in New York City. Ivana, born in Czechoslovakia, became his first wife and the mother of his first three children. Their marriage was widely covered at the time and later became the subject of public and legal attention during their divorce, which was finalized in 1990.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Ivana Zelníčková | Public records, biographies |
| Date | January 22, 1977 | News archives, marriage index |
| Location | New York City, New York, United States | Venue and city registry references |
| Children from marriage | Three (Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric) | Biographical sources |
| Marriage duration | 1977–1990 | Court records, divorce filings |
Marriage #2: Marla Maples
Trump married Marla Maples on December 8, 1993, while still legally married to Ivana. The wedding was widely publicized and took place in New York City. This union produced one child, Tiffany, and ended in divorce in 1999.
Key Details
Marla Maples was a television personality and actress at the time of their marriage. The wedding received extensive media coverage and was seen as a high-profile event. Their divorce was finalized several years later, amid reported financial and personal disputes.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Marla Maples | Public records, biographies |
| Date | December 8, 1993 | News archives |
| Location | New York City, New York, United States | Venue references |
| Children from marriage | One (Tiffany) | Biographical sources |
| Marriage duration | 1993–1999 | Court records, news reports |
Marriage #3: Melania Knauss
Trump married Melania Knauss on January 22, 2005, in a ceremony at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Melania is his third and current wife. The wedding was a smaller, private affair compared to his previous marriages but received significant media attention.
Key Details
Melania Trump, originally from Slovenia, became First Lady of the United States during Trump’s presidency. Her marriage to Trump produced one son, Barron. The couple remains married as of the present date.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Melania Knauss | Public records, biographies |
| Date | January 22, 2005 | Marriage index, news archives |
| Location | Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida, United States | Venue filings, news reports |
| Children from marriage | One (Barron) | Biographical sources |
| Marriage duration | 2005–present | Ongoing union record |
Timeline at a Glance
- January 22, 1977 — Married Ivana Zelníčková (first wife).
- December 8, 1993 — Married Marla Maples (second wife).
- January 22, 2005 — Married Melania Knauss (third wife, current).
Why Confusion Sometimes Arises
Because Trump’s second and third marriages occurred well after his first, some sources conflate the timeline, especially when coverage focuses on his current family or past relationships. By anchoring each marriage to a specific date and verified spouse, the record remains clear: Ivana Zelníčková was his first wife and the first person he married.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was Donald Trump’s first wife?
His first wife was Ivana Zelníčková. They married on January 22, 1977, and had three children together before divorcing in 1990.
When did he marry his first wife?
He married Ivana Zelníčková on January 22, 1977.
How many times has Donald Trump been married?
Three times: to Ivana Zelníčková, Marla Maples, and Melania Knauss.