Melania Trump has stepped firmly back into the spotlight, and during her latest public appearance, the First Lady offered a surprisingly personal glimpse into her childhood.
The 56-year-old joined her husband, President Donald Trump, at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, where she gave a rare live interview and revealed her longtime passion for fast cars.
Her appearance came after several weeks away from public view. Prior to returning to the White House last week, Melania had not been seen publicly since attending the FIFA World Cup final on July 19.
But speaking trackside on Sunday, the First Lady appeared delighted to be part of the historic race, telling Fox that it was an “incredible day” before revealing that motorsport has a special connection to her childhood.
“When I was growing up, my father introduced me to the races and to the race cars,” she explained.
Melania went on to reveal that her father, Viktor Knavs, owned an impressive collection of vehicles, including cars by Maserati, Mercedes, Ford Mustang and Mercury Cougar.
“He introduced me to the design of cars and the mechanics and also the speed,” she said. “And I loved every minute of it.”
Melania Trump’s surprising connection to cars
Melania’s fascination with cars makes more sense given her father’s career. Viktor worked in the automotive industry in Slovenia, and Melania grew up attending Formula 1 races with him in Europe, something she has rarely spoken about publicly.
© Getty ImagesThe father and daughter have remained close throughout Melania’s years in the United States. Viktor and his late wife, Amalija Knavs, became US citizens in 2018, more than a decade after their daughter married Donald Trump in 2005.
Sunday’s event therefore offered Melania the opportunity to combine a childhood passion with her role as First Lady.
The Freedom 250 saw IndyCar drivers race around a street circuit close to some of Washington’s most recognizable landmarks, including the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. President Trump took part in a ceremonial lap before waving the green flag to begin the race.
© Getty ImagesThe event attracted huge interest, with approximately 200,000 spectators descending on Washington to watch the historic race, which was ultimately won by Kyle Kirkwood.
Melania Trump returns to public life
Melania’s appearance was particularly notable following her recent absence from several high-profile events.
Her last public appearance before last week had been at the World Cup final on July 19, meaning she had spent around a month largely out of the public eye.
When she finally returned to the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, she appeared to acknowledge the attention surrounding her absence herself. “I heard you missed me,” she joked as she addressed the crowd. “Here I am.”
The appearance wasn’t simply ceremonial. Melania was there to announce a $2 million partnership with IndyCar and Fox Corporation supporting her Fostering the Future initiative, which helps young people transitioning out of the foster care system access higher education.
© Getty ImagesIndiana University and Purdue University have now joined the program, while Melania revealed during Sunday’s interview that participating institutions have expanded to 26 universities around the country.
“I’m very proud to say that we had the first doctor graduating,” she said, before encouraging governors across the country to support opportunities for young people leaving foster care.
Melania wasn’t the only member of the Trump family enjoying Sunday’s action. Eric Trump and his wife Lara were also at the race with their children, while Donald Trump Jr. attended as well.
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