Vanessa Trump announced on May 20 she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me.”
The 48-year-old has been a part of President Donald Trump’s family since 2005, even after separating from the president’s son.
How is Vanessa related to Donald Trump? Here is what to know:
What is Vanessa Trump to Donald Trump?
Vanessa Trump is the ex-wife of President Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.
On Nov. 12, 2005, Donald Trump Jr. married former model Vanessa Kay Trump, formerly Vanessa Kay Pergolizzi. Donald Trump introduced Donald Trump Jr. to Vanessa at a fashion show in 2003. The couple married at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach in front of about 370 guests, reports show, with the service officiated by Donald Trump’s sister, Judge Maryanne Trump Barry. Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump were 27 years old when they wed, weeks before they both turned 28 in December 2005.
Who are Vanessa Trump’s children?
Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr. had five children together − Kai Trump, Donald Trump III, Tristan Trump, Spencer Trump and Chloe Trump − before they eventually divorced, after 12 years of marriage, in 2018.
Kai Trump reacts to Vanessa Trump’s announcement
Kai Trump, Vanessa Trump’s oldest daughter, posted on Instagram following the announcement.
“Strongest person I know,” her Instagram story said with a picture of the two at Kai Trump’s recent high school graduation.
Who is Vanessa Trump dating?
In a March 23, 2025, Instagram post, golf legend Tiger Woods confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump via social media.
“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,” Woods said in an Instagram post with pictures of Vanessa Trump.
President Trump reacted positively to the news at the time, saying, “let them both be happy.”
Woods was involved in a rollover crash on March 27. He was unharmed, but charged with suspicion of DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He was given permission to leave the country for “comprehensive inpatient treatment” and went to Switzerland shortly after. TMZ reported he was spotted back in Palm Beach on May 14.
Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr., Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY Network
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: How is Vanessa Trump related to Donald Trump? She shared cancer diagnosis
Reporting by Kinsey Crowley and Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
