Who Was Donald Trump Jr.'s First Wife, Vanessa Trump? Former Model And Mother Of Five Children

Donald Trump Jr. is currently making headlines with his engagement to his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson. Earlier, this year, in 2025, he stole the spotlight with his second visit to India. He came all the way from the US to attend the wedding of US-based billionaire businessman, Raju Mantena’s daughter, Netra Mantena.

For the unversed, Netra was married to Vamsi Gadiraju, and their highly-publicised wedding spanned four days from November 21, 2025, to November 24, 2025, in Udaipur. During his second-time India visit, Donald was also seen enjoying the garba night with Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant. Donald Trump Jr. was accompanied by his present girlfriend, Bettina Anderson. But do you know that the US President, Donald Trump’s son, was previously married to former model, Vanessa Trump for 12 years? Yes, you read it right. So, without further ado, let’s dive deep in to know more about her.

Who was Donald Trump Jr.'s first wife, Vanessa Trump?

According to a report by The New York Times, Vanessa Trump was raised in New York City, and she attended the Dwight School on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Her father, Charles Haydon, was a lawyer and dealt with high-profile clients, including American actress and model, Marilyn Monroe, who is widely known for her comic 'blonde bombshell' character. Vanessa’s mother, Bonnie Haydon, ran Kay Models Agency.

According to the same outlet, Vanessa had been working as a model before she formed a relationship with the Trump family. In the late 1990s, Vanessa began her modelling career. She was signed to the Wilhelmina modelling agency. By the early 2000s, Vanessa became a well-known name in NYC’s fashion world. She attended the high-profile fashion shows and got the opportunity to sit in the front-row seats along with former socialite and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Tinsley Mortimer.

Vanessa inherited millions after her dad’s death. Her dad, Charles, was close friends with Rao’s owner, the late Frank Pellegrino Sr. and Ron Straci, a lawyer who founded and co-owned Rao’s Speciality Foods. The restaurant rose to fame with its exclusive product, marinara sauce. According to a report by Page Six, before his death, Charles invested a whopping amount worth USD 1 million into the company and held a 30 per cent share in this. Later, when the restaurant was sold for USD 415 million, the former model inherited a huge amount in millions from her father’s share.

Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump's relationship timeline

According to a report by The New York Times, it was the US president, Donald Trump, who acted as a cupid and introduced Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump at a fashion show in 2003. After two years, the couple tied the knot on November 12, 2005. at their family's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. It was the same spot where the US president, Donald Trump, exchanged vows with Melania Trump in January 2005. During their marriage, Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr. were blessed with five children, Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer and Chloe. 

Among the five kids, Kai and Chloe are avid golf players. However, the couple’s seemingly fairytale-like marriage hit a rough patch, and they parted ways after 12 years of marital bliss. People obtained a joint statement issued by the former couple, Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr., after their divorce in 2018. In the statement, they mentioned that their five beautiful children will remain their top priority. The statement can be read as:

"We will always have tremendous respect for each other and our families. We have five beautiful children together, and they remain our top priority. We ask for your privacy during this time."

Vanessa Trump is currently dating American professional golfer, Tiger Woods

Earlier, this year, in March 2025, a source close to the Trump family told People that Vanessa Trump and American professional golfer, Tiger Woods, had been dating each other secretly for months. The insider also revealed that Vanessa’s former husband, Donald Trump Jr., is 'cool' about her new romance with Tiger Woods. In the same month, the American professional golfer made his relationship with Vanessa Insta-official. Sharing two snaps featuring him and Vanessa, Tiger wrote:

"Love is in the air, and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time, we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts."

Later, the US President and Vanessa’s ex-father-in-law, Donald Trump, reacted to her newly found love. Speaking with the reporters in the Oval Office, Donald shared that he loves both of them. The US President mentioned that he and Tiger share a very good relationship. He was quoted as saying:

"I love Tiger, and I love Vanessa. He and I have a very special, very good relationship. I played golf with him a couple of times over the last month, and he's a fantastic guy and a fantastic athlete. He told me about it, and I said, 'Tiger, that's good, that's good.' I'm very happy for both."

What are your thoughts on Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump's relationship timeline? Let us know.

Also Read: What's The Age Gap Between Donald Trump Jr. And His Fiancee, Bettina Anderson? Find It Out

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