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As the upcoming election approaches, the political landscape is charged with anticipation, centered on the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. If Harris wins, Doug Emhoff could make history as the first-ever First Gentleman, while Melania Trump may return to the White House, resuming her previous role as First Lady. But who are these potential presidential spouses?
From their backgrounds, careers, and influence within the political landscape, click on to learn more about Doug Emhoff and Melania Trump.
The current second gentleman was born Douglas Craig Emhoff on October 13, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York City.
Melania was born as Melanija Knavs in Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia, now part of present-day Slovenia, on April 26, 1970.
Doug is the son of Jewish parents, Michael and Barbara Emhoff (pictured with Doug's daughter, Ella). His ancestors immigrated to the US from Gorlice, Poland, around 1899 to escape persecution. He has a brother named Andy and a sister named Jamie.
Melania was born to Viktor and Amalija Knavs (pictured). She has one sister, Ines. Her mother passed away on January 9, 2024.
Doug earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, in 1987. He went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from the USC Gould School of Law in 1990.
At 15, Melania began attending the Secondary School for Design and Photography in Ljubljana. She later enrolled at the Faculty of Architecture and Civil and Geodetic Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, but left after a few months without completing her degree. Instead, she pursued modeling, which eventually brought her to the US.
Doug began his career as an entertainment lawyer, serving as managing director at Venable and later as a partner at DLA Piper. He is also a visiting professor at Georgetown Law. After the Biden–Harris victory, he announced his departure from DLA Piper to avoid conflicts of interest.
Melania began her career as a model in Europe and later the US. She later transitioned to business when she met Donald Trump, launching her own jewelry and skincare lines.
Doug was previously married to Kerstin Emhoff from 1992 to 2008, with whom he shares two children, Cole and Ella.
Melania had no notable relationships before Donald Trump, but her former boyfriend, Jure Zorcic, spoke about her in 2016, describing her as "very fashionable." Zorcic recalled meeting her in the summer of 1991, in between wars in Slovenia, noting that moving to the US "was very far from" their minds.
In 2013, Doug was set up on a blind date with Kamala Harris, who was then the Attorney General of California. They became engaged and married in 2014.
Melania met Donald Trump at a New York party in 1998. They married in 2005. Although she continued to model, his fame and connections gave her new career opportunities.
Doug's children, Cole and Ella, are named after jazz icons John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald. They share a warm relationship with Kamala, affectionately calling her "Momala."
Melania primarily focused on her son, Barron Trump, with a private approach to family life that kept him out of the spotlight.
Doug Emhoff’s extramarital affair with one of his children's teachers reportedly contributed to the breakup of his first marriage. This controversy added scrutiny to his personal life during Kamala's presidential race.
In a presidency filled with controversy, Melania faced scrutiny for her 2016 Republican National Convention speech, which mirrored Michelle Obama's 2008 address. And again in 2018, for wearing a jacket with the words, "I really don't care, do u?" during a visit to a child detention center.
Doug serves as the first-ever "second gentleman" of the US, representing a historic shift in the role of political spouses.
Melania was the second foreign-born First Lady after Louisa Adams, who was born in England, and the first naturalized US citizen to hold the title.
As the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president, Doug became a leading voice against antisemitism in the Biden administration. Following a controversial meeting involving Donald Trump, Kanye West, and Nick Fuentes, Emhoff led a December 2022 White House roundtable on antisemitism.
During her time in the White House, Melania launched the "Be Best" initiative, focusing on children's well-being, online safety, and anti-bullying.
Doug is known for warmth and humor, and for having redefined the traditional "spouse" role in politics.
Melania is seen as enigmatic and private, with media often highlighting her fashion and controversies.
Doug is known for his comfortable and personable speeches, speaking candidly about mental health and family life.
Melania's public speeches are formal and scripted, with a reserved tone often attributed to her private nature.
Active on social media, Doug uses it to highlight causes, public engagements, and everyday moments.
Melania maintained a selective, carefully curated social media presence, often sharing formal events or public appearances.
The current second gentleman actively participates in campaign events, rallying support for the administration and connecting with constituents.
Melania has shown limited involvement in direct political campaigning and is often selective about making appearances alongside her husband.
Sources: (BBC) (People) (ABC News) (Elle) (Business Insider)
See also: From housewives to lawyers: The lives of America's first ladies before the White House
Doug Emhoff vs. Melania Trump: who is going to the White House?
It will either be the current second gentleman or the former first lady
LIFESTYLE Politics
As the upcoming election approaches, the political landscape is charged with anticipation, centered on the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. If Harris wins, Doug Emhoff could make history as the first-ever first gentleman, while Melania Trump may return to the White House, resuming her previous role as first lady. But who are these potential presidential spouses?
From their backgrounds to their careers and influence within the political landscape, click on to learn more about Doug Emhoff and Melania Trump.