PoliticsMelania Trump Shares Rare Glimpse Into Her 'Beautiful Childhood' in Slovenia, Reveals Hobby She and Her Dad Bonded Over
Melania Trump said her father, Viktor Knavs, introduced her to car racing and car mechanics when she growing up in Slovenia.
Aug. 24 2026, Published 2:18 p.m. ET
During a rare live interview with a Fox Sports reporter, First Lady Melania Trump revealed that one of her favorite childhood hobbies she bonded over with her dad, Viktor Knavs, was car racing and car mechanics.
Speaking at the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix event in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, August 23, the elusive FLOTUS shared insights into her upbringing and family life.
She said her father introduced her to motor races and classic race cars at an early age.
Melania Trump's Father Taught Her About Cars
Melania Trump's father introduced her to cars and racing.
“When I was growing up, my father introduced me to races and to race cars, and he owned some incredible cars — [including] a Maserati, Cougar, Mustang, Mercedes. So he introduced me to the design of cars, and the mechanics, and also the speed,” she said.
This shared passion taught her to appreciate the core design elements, underlying mechanics, and overall speed of motor vehicles.
Viktor Knavs lives part-time with Donald and Melania Trump.
Viktor lives part-time with Donald and Melania when she’s around following the passing of his wife, Amalija Knavs, in January 2024.
Since moving to the United States from Slovenia in the early 2000s, Viktor has split his time living across the Trump family’s primary properties to support Melania and help raise his grandson, Barron Trump.
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Inside the FLOTUS' Childhood
Melania Trump said she had a 'beautiful childhood.'
The 56-year-old FLOTUS described her upbringing in Slovenia as a "beautiful childhood" filled with wonderful parents, despite growing up under the constraints of a communist regime.
"If you could dream it, you could become it," she said, explaining her parents taught her to always look toward a larger future.
Melania’s recent appearances come as reports from biographers like Michael Wolff often claim the couple operates in "separate spheres," citing Melania’s low-profile, independent schedule compared to other first ladies.
Biographer Michael Wolff claimed Melania Trump is in a power struggle with Natalie Harp.
Outspoken critics and internet commentators frequently dissect viral clips — such as moments when Melania has unsmilingly swatted her husband's hand away or engaged in animated conversations, as she did at the Grand Prix — interpreting them as signs of friction.
Speculation emerged regarding the constant presence of loyal White House aide Natalie Harp.
However, no concrete evidence of an affair exists, and the Trump administration has strongly dismissed these claims as entirely fabricated.
