Melania & Donald Trump's Age Gap Isn't The Biggest Red Flag In Their Marriage, Says Our Matchmaker

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President Donald Trump's relationship with Melania Trump is hardly the most controversial aspect of his life, but the first couple are still under scrutiny. One of the most talked-about elements of their relationship is their age gap of 24 years, qualifying their marriage as one of the celebrity relationships with the biggest age gaps. "He was a bit older than me, but I, at the age of 28, felt an instant connection with him," Melania wrote of first meeting Donald in her 2024 memoir "Melania" (via MSN). This might seem like a huge red flag to some, but matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking Susan Trombetti doesn't agree.

"I don't think the age gap is that big of a deal," she explains exclusively to Glam, adding that she has introduced couples with larger age gaps than that. "The problem with age gap relationships is that the older one retires and is ready to travel and enjoy life and the other might still have their career." Trombetti notes that this classic problem doesn't actually apply to the Trumps, since Donald is running a country rather than worrying about retirement. "The age gap different stages of life dynamic is sort of not as noticeable because if anything, the presidency sort of mitigates that problem because his focus is elsewhere and not on living as carefree life as someone else his age," she adds.

However, that's not to say that their relationship is devoid of potential problems. The alleged infidelity is clearly one of the biggest red flags in Donald and Melania Trump's relationship. "Their actual biggest relationship red flag would have to be the Stormy Daniels saga," Trombetti confirms. "We all know about this, whether or not it's true. It's definitely embarrassing and publicly humiliating for Melania." 

Donald and Melania Trump have been able to side-step the problem of differing lifestyles in an age-gap relationship, but one person running for president and the other not having to work a 9-to-5 is hardly a solution for everyone. Susan Trombetti's first tip for navigating an age gap in your relationship when you don't have this privilege is limiting the number of years between you. "I generally think 20 years is the far end of what an age gap relationship should be; by the time it's greater than 30, it's definitely a red flag," she shares exclusively with Glam. "Definitely maintain some separate hobbies and friends because, especially when retirement hits, you will need it."

The other issue that tends to pop up in age-gap relationships is the power imbalance, which often tips toward the older person, who is usually wealthier and more experienced. Trombetti advises paying special attention to this, ensuring that the power is equally balanced between you. When one person clearly has the advantage in a relationship, it paves the way for the other to be hurt, heartbroken, or humiliated. This is likely something Melania experienced when it was publicly alleged that Donald had a one-night stand with sex worker Stormy Daniels in 2006 then paid her to remain quiet.

"Remember to communicate because every relationship thrives with good communication," our matchmaker adds. "Respect the age differences and understand. It goes with the territory. For example, Melania wanted a child, so that's part of the deal when you marry a younger woman." Ultimately, the Trumps' marriage has lasted 20 years and counting, so the biggest lesson is not to let an age gap define the bond between you. "Ignore the naysayers who all have their own opinions," Trombetti suggests. "You know what you have."