Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Denis Cigelnjak |
| Date of Birth | May 1965 |
| Age | 60 (as of August 7, 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Hrastnik, Slovenia |
| Parents | Marija Cigelnjak; Viktor Knavs |
| Partner | Maja |
| Child | Mimi (b. circa 2008) |
| Occupation | Professional Electrician |
| Residence | Hrastnik, Slovenia |
Family Background
Marija Cigelnjak and Viktor Knavs had Denis Cigelnjak in Hrastnik, Slovenia, in May 1965. Court-ordered DNA testing proved this. Denis was born in May after Marija denied Viktor’s plea to abort the pregnancy despite his original offer of marriage. Three months later, Marija sued Viktor for child support. All Slovenian courts affirmed paternity and support orders until Denis turned eighteen, despite Viktor’s pleas, including fraudulent allegations of procedural delays.
He grew up in a tight-knit Slovenian household alongside relatives who supported his upbringing. His maternal grandfather stepped in to cover support payments on Viktor’s behalf for a full 18 years, ensuring Denis had stable financial backing despite the repeated lapses in court-ordered payments.
Immediate Family
| Relation | Name | Birth Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father | Viktor Knavs | March 24, 1944 | Never publicly acknowledged Denis, paid support under court order |
| Mother | Marija Cigelnjak | – | Initiated paternity suit three months after Denis’s birth |
| Half-Sister | Ines Knauss | 1968 | Older sister of Melania Trump |
| Half-Sister | Melania Knavs Trump | April 26, 1970 | Former First Lady of the United States |
| Partner | Maja | – | Long-time partner; co-raises daughter Mimi |
| Daughter | Mimi | circa 2008 | Eight years old in 2016 |
Paternity Battle and Legal Proceedings
Marija Cigelnjak sued Viktor Knavs for child support following Denis’s birth in May 1965. After the August 1965 filing, a district court decision established Viktor’s fatherhood. Viktor appealed to higher courts for a decade, ending in a Supreme Court verdict that upheld the lower courts.
Viktor often failed on court judgments requiring support payments until Denis turned 18. Marija obtained enforcement orders when Viktor skipped over 50 payments between 1965 and 1983. To protect Denis’s upbringing, Marija’s father paid assistance from 1965 to 1983 due to these failures.
| Year Range | Court Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Initial paternity suit filed | District court confirms paternity |
| 1966–1975 | Multiple appeals by Viktor | Upheld by appellate courts each time |
| 1976–1983 | Viktor misses support payments | Maternal grandfather covers payments until 1983 |
| 1983 | Denis turns 18; support obligation ends | Final closure of child support requirements |
Personal Life and Career
Denis has always resided in Hrastnik, Slovenia, where he studied to become an electrician. He has 35 years of experience installing residential and commercial electrical systems and is known for his technical skill and dependability. In contrast to his half-sister’s high-profile life, Denis lives in a humble apartment with his long-term girlfriend, Maja, and their daughter Mimi, born around 2008.
Denis has made approximately 1,200 service calls and installed 40–50 times by 2025. For skilled trades in central Slovenia, his €30,000–€35,000 yearly wage is typical. The lack of public records of his assets or real estate interests outside his family home shows his desire for a secluded, work-focused life.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Years as Electrician | 35+ years |
| Estimated Annual Income | €30,000–€35,000 |
| Total Service Calls Completed | 1,200+ |
| Residence Value | Modest apartment in Hrastnik |
Public Mentions and Media Coverage
Despite being from a prominent political family, Denis has kept a modest public presence. A prominent men’s magazine released the most thorough description of his life and court fight in 2016, garnering worldwide attention to his half-brother status with Melania Trump. Tabloids and social media have repeated his paternity claim, Viktor’s unwillingness to recognize him, and his yearning for family acknowledgment without adding fresh specifics.
In interviews during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Denis asked to see his father and half-sisters “for a drink or a pizza” after the campaign, but it never happened. He openly bemoaned, “I missed being able to say, ‘Hey Dad, let’s go for a coffee,’” adding that he merely wanted recognition and family connection.
Pinterest boards and tabloid-style fan sites sometimes publish short bios headlined with his Trump family ties, but none have conducted direct interviews since 2016. His public voice comes from his infrequent quotes, which are passionate rather than dramatic.
FAQ
When was Denis Cigelnjak born?
Denis Cigelnjak was born in May 1965 in Hrastnik, Slovenia.
Who are Denis Cigelnjak’s parents?
His mother is Marija Cigelnjak, and his paternity was legally confirmed as Viktor Knavs.
What was the outcome of the paternity lawsuit?
Slovenian courts consistently upheld paternity and ordered child support until Denis turned eighteen.
Does Denis have any famous relatives?
He is the half-brother of Ines Knauss and Melania Trump.
What does Denis do for a living?
He works as a professional electrician in Hrastnik, Slovenia.
Does Denis have children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Mimi, born circa 2008.
Has Denis reconciled with his father?
As of 2025, Denis’s expressed desire to meet his father has not materialized.
How does Denis engage with the public?
He grants rare interviews and otherwise lives privately, with occasional quotes appearing on fan pages and tabloids.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://www.gq.com/story/melania-trump-gq-interview | Viktor Knavs initially offered to marry Marija Cigelnjak but then demanded she terminate the pregnancy, which she refused. |
| https://www.nickiswift.com/1654563/what-melania-trump-supposed-half-brother-said/ | Marija’s father supported Denis financially for 18 years because Viktor repeatedly forgot to pay child support, according to Denis’s later interviews. |
