If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Trump family at Mar-a-Lago or walking across the White House lawn, you’ve probably noticed a tall, silver-haired man who looks strikingly like Donald Trump. No, it’s not a long-lost brother. That’s Viktor Knavs.
Honestly, the resemblance is wild. They have the same barrel-chested build, the same affinity for well-tailored suits, and even a similar way of carrying themselves. But beyond the physical mirror image, Viktor Knavs is a man whose life story bridges the gap between the strictures of communist Yugoslavia and the highest echelons of American power.
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You’ve probably heard the name in the news, usually tied to debates about immigration or "chain migration." But who is he, really? To understand Viktor, you have to look back at a small town called Sevnica and a career built on salesmanship and survival.
From Chauffeur to Car Dealer: The Early Years
Viktor Knavs was born on March 24, 1944, in Radeče, Slovenia. At the time, the world was in chaos, and Slovenia was part of what would become the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Life wasn't exactly easy, but Viktor was ambitious.
He started out as a driver. He wasn't just any driver, though; he chauffeured the mayor of a neighboring town and later the director of a state-owned textile factory called Jutranjka. This is actually where he met his wife, Amalija Ulčnik, who worked at the factory as a patternmaker. They married in 1966.
Eventually, Viktor transitioned from driving cars to selling them. He became a traveling salesman for a state-owned car company. Think of it as the ultimate training ground for someone who would eventually have a world-famous salesman for a son-in-law.
- 1968: His first daughter, Ines, is born.
- 1970: Melanija (now Melania) is born in the industrial town of Sevnica.
- The Business: Viktor later opened his own bicycle and car parts shop in Ljubljana.
Melania has often said that her father and husband are very similar. In a 2016 interview with GQ, she noted that both men are "hardworking" and "smart." They grew up in completely different worlds—one in the capitalist hustle of Queens, the other in the regulated economy of Yugoslavia—but they seem to share a certain old-school, traditional grit.
The Communist Party Question
One of the most talked-about details of Viktor’s past is his membership in the Sevnica Communist Party. In the U.S., the "C-word" carries a lot of baggage, but in 1970s Yugoslavia, it was often a pragmatic choice.
Membership was limited to a small percentage of the population. Being a member didn't necessarily mean you were a radical ideologue; it was basically a requirement if you wanted to get ahead, secure a better job, or ensure your family had a comfortable life.
Critics have often pointed to this to highlight a perceived irony, given Donald Trump’s political rhetoric. However, those who knew Viktor in Slovenia described him as a "larger-than-life" personality who was focused on providing for his family. He made sure his daughters had a good education and even arranged for them to live in Ljubljana so they could attend design school. He was a father who pushed his kids to succeed.
Viktor Knavs and the "Chain Migration" Debate
Fast forward to 2018. This was arguably the moment Viktor Knavs became a household name in American politics. On August 9, 2018, Viktor and Amalija stood in a federal building in Manhattan and took the oath of citizenship.
The irony was hard for the media to ignore. At the time, President Trump was actively railing against "chain migration"—the process where U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents and siblings for legal residency. This is exactly how Viktor and Amalija obtained their green cards and, eventually, their citizenship.
Their lawyer, Michael Wildes, confirmed that Melania had sponsored them. He was quick to point out that they had followed every rule to the letter, including the five-year residency requirement. They didn't get a "fast track" just because their son-in-law lived in the White House.
Even so, the optics were a bit messy. It sparked a massive conversation about how immigration laws work and who gets to benefit from them. But for Viktor, it was simply the final step in a long journey from a small Slovenian village to becoming an American.
Life at Mar-a-Lago and the White House
Since moving to the States, Viktor has been a constant presence in the lives of Melania and his grandson, Barron Trump. He wasn't just a guest; he was a roommate.
During the first Trump administration, Viktor and Amalija lived in the White House for part of the year. They reportedly stayed in the suite once used by Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson. When the family moved back to Florida, Viktor remained close.
A Hyper-Involved Grandfather
If you’re wondering why Barron Trump speaks fluent Slovenian, look no further than Viktor. He and Amalija were "hyper-involved" grandparents. They spoke their native language to Barron from the time he was a baby, ensuring he stayed connected to his roots.
Even as recently as December 2024 and 2025, Viktor has been spotted at Mar-a-Lago Christmas dinners. While recent footage showed him and Melania deep in conversation—sometimes looking a bit distanced from Donald—it’s clear that the bond between father and daughter remains unbreakable.
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Navigating Loss
The last few years haven't been easy. In January 2024, Viktor lost his wife of nearly 60 years. Amalija Knavs passed away at age 78, and the funeral in Palm Beach saw the entire Trump family rally around Viktor.
Losing a partner of six decades is a massive blow. Since then, Viktor has stayed largely out of the spotlight, appearing only at significant family milestones, like Barron’s graduation from Oxbridge Academy.
What We Can Learn from Viktor’s Story
So, what’s the takeaway here? Viktor Knavs isn't a politician, and he’s not a public figure by choice. He’s a man who navigated a very specific set of circumstances to build a life for his family.
Whether you agree with his son-in-law's policies or not, Viktor’s path is a classic immigrant story, albeit one with a very high-profile twist. He went from driving a mayor in a communist state to living in the White House. That’s a trajectory you couldn't script.
Key Takeaways for Your Own Research:
- Context Matters: When you hear about his Communist Party membership, remember the historical context of Yugoslavia. It was often a professional necessity rather than a political statement.
- Family First: His biggest legacy seems to be his influence on Melania and Barron. His "hardworking" nature clearly rubbed off on his daughter.
- Immigration Reality: His citizenship story is a prime example of how current U.S. family reunification laws work in practice.
If you're curious about the deeper history of the Knavs family, you might want to look into the archival reports from Sevnica or the legal breakdown of the 2018 naturalization process. It offers a fascinating glimpse into how private lives intersect with public policy.
Next Steps for Deepening Your Knowledge:
- Research the History of Sevnica: Looking into the industrial history of this Slovenian town provides great context for how the Knavs family lived before moving to the U.S.
- Examine the 1990s Transition in Slovenia: Understanding the fall of Yugoslavia helps explain why many families, including the Knavs, began looking toward international opportunities during that era.
- Review the Immigration and Nationality Act: If you're interested in the "chain migration" aspect, reading the specific requirements for sponsoring parents (Form I-130) clarifies how Viktor Knavs legally obtained his status.