Slovenia, a country modest in size and population, often finds itself in the shadows on the international stage. Without significant geopolitical influence, the nation is frequently shaped more by global currents than it shapes them. This has led to a widespread belief in the power of “soft influence” — that standout Slovenians can elevate the country’s profile through their exceptional achievements.
This perspective is why Slovenia joyfully celebrates figures such as basketball talents Goran Dragić and Luka Dončić, cycling champion Tadej Pogačar with his Tour de France triumphs, Olympic gold medalist Janja Garnbret, the renowned band Laibach, and actress Katarina Čas. Each success is seen as a chance for Slovenia to make its mark on the world.
Still, among these remarkable Slovenians, none incite as much intrigue as Melania Trump, formerly Melanija Knavs. Her return to the White House, if Donald Trump were to regain power, would likely lead to a predictable media frenzy back home. State media might downplay the connection, but commercial outlets would likely seize upon it as a strategic advantage.
Take Pop TV, Slovenia’s top commercial broadcaster, which once featured an interview with Ivo Boscarol, a successful Slovenian entrepreneur who attended Trump’s inauguration. Boscarol claimed that Slovenia missed a prime opportunity to strengthen ties with the U.S. through Melania’s presence. While Pop TV might run with sensational stories, its widespread viewership means such narratives reach many Slovenians, potentially influencing public opinion. Some even suggest that Melania could be Slovenia’s safety net if times get tough. Given Trump’s strained foreign policies, one might wonder if that time is upon us.
However, banking on Melania seems unfounded. Her memoir doesn’t suggest any desire to foster Slovenian-American relations. In fact, her rare mentions of Slovenia as First Lady often touched on its “totalitarian past,” striking a chord with American apprehensions about communism. Raised in the town of Sevnica, Melania left before Slovenia’s independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 to pursue modeling. She seldom acknowledges her heritage publicly and portrays the U.S. as the ultimate goal, seemingly leaving Slovenia behind. Her absence during her time as First Lady underscores this.
But imagine if Melania could indeed offer Slovenia a unique position. Little is known about her political views, aside from her divergence from her husband’s abortion stance. Her choice to stay with a figure known for authoritarian leanings implies some level of acceptance. This tacit support carries weight, aligning with Trump’s contentious policies from his dealings with Ukraine to his stance on climate change and beyond.
Could Melania pave the way for a special bond with a potentially autocratic regime? Is this the path Slovenia wishes to tread? Right-wing ideologies find supporters in Slovenia, some looking up to Trump, but the more immediate concern may lie with Slovenia’s neoliberals and business elites who see any connection as a potential boon, toxicity aside. The question remains whether Slovenia risks a future where relations with the U.S., as optimistically hoped by a former prime minister, would be “further strengthened.”
For now, Slovenia may be relieved that Melania hasn’t shown interest in leveraging her position to bolster ties with her native land. There’s no diplomatic maneuver waiting in the wings, no grand strategy at hand. Any celebration of Melania’s White House tenure will likely fade, as will, perhaps fortunately, Slovenia’s fleeting hopes for political leverage through her. The future might hold a more promising figure for Slovenia to lean on. Until then, the country would do well to focus on building alliances grounded in shared values and lasting mutual interests, rather than the unpredictable nature of individual associations.
