Melania Trump's Ties to Deported Model Raise Questions

The first lady's friendship with Brazilian model Amanda Ungaro has taken an unexpected turn.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A cinematic, moody painting of a solitary figure standing alone in a dimly lit Mar-a-Lago ballroom, with a Christmas tree in the background, conveying a sense of quiet melancholy and political tension.The once-close relationship between Melania Trump and model Amanda Ungaro has soured, exposing the complex web of connections and potential conflicts of interest within the Trump administration.Aventura Today

Melania Trump and Brazilian model Amanda Ungaro were once close, socializing together at Mar-a-Lago and even posing for photos with former President Donald Trump. However, their relationship has since soured, with Ungaro claiming she was deported back to Brazil by ICE agents during Trump's second term. Meanwhile, Melania has kept a low profile since returning to the White House. The connection between the two women is Paolo Zampolli, Ungaro's estranged partner and a friend of Trump's who serves as a special envoy in the administration.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex web of relationships and potential abuses of power within the Trump administration. It raises questions about the role of immigration enforcement, the treatment of models and other foreign-born individuals, and the influence of Trump's inner circle. The alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein also add an additional layer of intrigue and concern.

The details

According to reports, Melania Trump and Amanda Ungaro were once close, with Ungaro claiming they regularly dined together at Mar-a-Lago during Trump's first term. However, their relationship appears to have soured, with Ungaro alleging she was deported back to Brazil by ICE agents during Trump's second term. Ungaro's estranged partner, Paolo Zampolli, is a friend of Trump's who serves as a special envoy in the administration. Zampolli reportedly introduced Melania to Trump in the 1990s and has been involved in various business dealings, including discussions with Jeffrey Epstein about a modeling agency.

  • In 2016, Zampolli secured Melania's U.S. visa after meeting her at a Milan casting call and introduced her to Trump at a 1998 party.
  • In 2025, Ungaro was arrested on fraud-related charges and ultimately deported for overstaying her visa.
  • Ungaro claims she was deported by ICE agents during Trump's second term, which began in 2021.

The players

Melania Trump

The former first lady of the United States, who is originally from Slovenia and has been close to Paolo Zampolli and Amanda Ungaro.

Amanda Ungaro

A Brazilian model who was once close to Melania Trump and Paolo Zampolli, but was later deported back to Brazil by ICE agents during Trump's second term.

Paolo Zampolli

A Milan-born businessman who is a friend of Donald Trump and serves as a special envoy in the Trump administration. He introduced Melania to Trump and was close with Ungaro.

Jeffrey Epstein

The disgraced financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Zampolli's name appears in the Epstein files, and Ungaro claims she flew on Epstein's plane as a teenager.

Jean-Luc Brunel

The French owner of a modeling firm and an associate of Epstein who recruited young girls for the late child predator. Brunel also died by suicide while awaiting trial.

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What they’re saying

“When Trump won in 2016, Paolo acted like he had been elected, too. We were suddenly invited everywhere. At New Year's parties at Mar-a-Lago, we and one other couple were the only ones at the table with Trump and Melania.”

— Amanda Ungaro, Brazilian model

“I said: 'Melania meet Donald, Donald meet Melania,' and then I left the table because I had 300 guests.”

— Paolo Zampolli, Businessman and Trump friend

“I am honored to have been a friend of the President for more than 30 years, a friend of the First Lady for 29 years. Loyalty is king.”

— Paolo Zampolli

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee is investigating the Epstein case, and Ungaro claims she has been asked to testify, although she has not been subpoenaed. The circumstances surrounding Ungaro's deportation and the potential abuse of power within the Trump administration will likely continue to be scrutinized.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex web of relationships and potential abuses of power within the Trump administration, particularly when it comes to the treatment of foreign-born individuals. It raises questions about the role of immigration enforcement, the influence of Trump's inner circle, and the alleged connections to the Epstein scandal.