Melania Trump’s 55th Birthday Celebration Plans Revealed — Details on the President’s Gift to FLOTUS

Melania Trump marked her 55th birthday far from home and away from any personal celebration. On April 26, 2025, she stood beside President Donald Trump in Vatican City, attending the funeral of Pope Francis — a day that blended personal reflection with public duty.

President Donald Trump and Melania arrive for Pope Francis' funeral mass at St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, on April 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and Melania arrive for Pope Francis’ funeral mass at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

While the focus remained on official responsibilities, curiosity lingered over how Melania’s birthday would be celebrated, especially given the president’s typically candid approach to personal occasions.

First Lady Melania Trump attends an event marking National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month on September 3, 2020, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

First Lady Melania Trump attends an event marking National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month on September 3, 2020, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

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What Donald Has Given Melania in the Past

Before revealing how the day was eventually observed, it’s worth recalling how the president has handled this occasion in the past, often with frankness and simplicity. In a 2018 Fox News interview, Donald was asked what he had given Melania for her birthday.

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on April 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on April 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

“Well, I better not get into that because I may get in trouble. Maybe I didn’t get her so much,” he said. “[I] got her a beautiful card. You know, I’m very busy — to be running out looking for presents, OK? But I got her a beautiful card and some beautiful flowers.”

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at the Commander-In-Chief Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at the Commander-In-Chief Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

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That answer, while casual, gave the public a glimpse into the president’s approach to birthdays — understated, symbolic, and shaped by a demanding schedule.

And in 2025, that pattern seemed to continue, though the day’s circumstances were far from ordinary.

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A Birthday at the Vatican

This year, Melania spent her 55th birthday in Vatican City — not for celebration, but to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. The pope, 88, died on April 21, and his funeral was held five days later, aligning directly with her birthday.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

A practicing Catholic, Melania was reportedly honored to attend the funeral regardless of the personal timing. “She respected the pope,” a source told People. “It is a sad time for Catholics around the world, and the First Lady is honored to go to the funeral.”

Melania Trump attends the funeral of Pope Francis in the front row of St. Peter's Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump attends the funeral of Pope Francis in the front row of St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

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Her connection to the pope dates back to 2017, when she and Donald visited the Vatican during their first overseas trip as President and First Lady. During that meeting, she presented the pontiff with rosary beads — a gesture widely seen as an affirmation of her faith.

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“Meeting the pope eight years ago made the trip to his funeral all the more important,” a source close to the family shared.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met with Pope Francis during a private audience on May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met with Pope Francis during a private audience on May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. | Source: Getty Images

The day, though solemn, carried deep personal significance for her. As someone who admired Francis and shared his compassion for others, especially children, Melania viewed the funeral as more than a formal duty.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend Pope Francis' funeral on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

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A source described it as “a significant event for her, a life experience few are able to share,” noting her “respect for all different types of people and their opinions.”

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the funeral Mass for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the funeral Mass for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

Although she is usually private, Melania acknowledged the significance of the day by posting a message on X, thanking people for their birthday wishes and sharing that she spent the day at the funeral, where she reflected and prayed for healing and peace.

Melania Trump attends Pope Francis' funeral on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump attends Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

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The accompanying photo shows Melania in black and white, eyes closed, seemingly in prayer or deep reflection. She is dressed in dark attire. Even with the eyes of the world upon her, the First Lady marked the day with dignity, restraint, and devotion.

A Year of Private Grief

The symbolism of the day was not only shaped by her faith — it also reflected a personal journey through grief. In January 2024, Melania lost her mother, Amalija Knavs.

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She announced her mother’s death on social media, expressing “deep sadness” over the loss. Melania described her as a “strong woman” who lived with “grace, warmth, and dignity,” and emphasized her devotion to family, saying they would “continue to honor and love her legacy.”

Since then, her Catholic faith has reportedly played a larger role in her personal life. “Her religion has continued to play a large role in her life, helping her deal with grief,” a family source revealed.

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The trip to Rome, then, carried layered meaning — both spiritual and personal — and marked her birthday in a way no public celebration could.

Melania Trump attended the funeral of her mother, Amalija Knavs, on January 18, 2024, at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump attended the funeral of her mother, Amalija Knavs, on January 18, 2024, at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

The President’s Celebration Plans

With attention fixed on Melania’s presence at the papal funeral, questions swirled around how Donald would mark her birthday amid their international duties.

When asked by reporters whether he had time to buy a gift or plan a dinner, the president admitted, “I haven’t had much time to buy presents now. I’ve been pretty busy. But it’s working out. People are starting to understand how good tariffs are…for us.”

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Despite the time constraints, Donald did celebrate his wife’s birthday in a personalized way. According to The Daily Mail, the couple shared a dinner aboard Air Force One, which included a thoughtful detail: dessert was a chocolate coin stamped with the First Lady’s seal.

Upon landing, an aide was seen placing a large bouquet of pink flowers into her motorcade.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped off Air Force One at Fiumicino Airport on April 25, 2025, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped off Air Force One at Fiumicino Airport on April 25, 2025, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

After the funeral and flight, the couple arrived in Newark, New Jersey. There, the couple parted ways — Donald boarded Marine One for his Bedminster golf club, while Melania entered her SUV.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step off Air Force One upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump step off Air Force One upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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But before they parted, Donald briefly turned back to kiss her on the cheek — a rare public display of affection captured on camera. While no official reason was given for their split travel, The Daily Mail reported that Melania may have gone to New York City to spend the evening with their son, Barron.

Donald Trump kisses First Lady Melania Trump as they step off Air Force One upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump kisses First Lady Melania Trump as they step off Air Force One upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

With the official engagements behind them, attention shifted to how the day was publicly recognized — and how it was received by the public.

President Donald Trump talks with First Lady Melania Trump at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump talks with First Lady Melania Trump at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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Public Tributes and Online Reactions

The White House marked the First Lady’s birthday with a post on X, sharing a collection of 20 photos highlighting memorable moments from her time in the public eye, along with a message celebrating the occasion.

Among the images was a striking shot of Melania inside a military aircraft, dressed in a white outfit with a boldly embroidered coat, speaking calmly into a headset. The photo conveyed a blend of elegance and composure — qualities often associated with her public presence.

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As news of the Trumps’ trip to Rome for the pope’s funeral spread, online reactions to the birthday gained momentum.

Some netizens pointed to the setting. “He took her to. Italy [sic]!” one person wrote, followed by laughing emojis. Another chimed in, “He has taken her to Rome..”

King Felipe VI of Spain kisses Melania Trump's hand during Pope Francis' funeral in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

King Felipe VI of Spain kisses Melania Trump’s hand during Pope Francis’ funeral in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Others speculated on how gifts work in the Trump household. “She probably buys what she wants and he pays for it. With them in Rome she can really get something nice,” someone else commented. Another added, “Pretty sure Melania buys anything she wants and has all she needs.”

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the funeral ceremony for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the funeral ceremony for the late Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 26, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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