By Jonathan Hampton 
“It was good that the truth became known, but that was also when the real pain began. I realized that we had both been deceived. You’re left in a very uncomfortable position – and the world knows about it.”
Just a month later, while watching a boxing match on television, Marla Maples came across a flash about Donald and Ivana divorcing.
Relationship with Donald Trump
She didn’t want to be a part of it and decided to “run away as far as possible”. Papers made up stories about where she was, but ultimately, she couldn’t completely leave Donald, and the two began dating.
“I loved this man. Yes, I was young, but it was my choice. I was romanced, I had Mister Charm all over me, and it was very hard to say no. When that man wants something, he’ll stop at nothing to get it. And I also believed in the good of him,” said Maples.
However, dating Donald Trump also came with certain standards. Maples had to maintain a certain standard since she would be a public figure as Donald Trump’s girlfriend. Her hair and makeup always had to be perfect, and she only wore designer dresses. In the end, it felt like she became a caricature of herself.
In any case, it wasn’t the best of experiences for Maples.
“I think what he loved about me the most was that I wasn’t part of that world. But once we were together publicly, he wanted to change me into that social animal. I look back at old photographs and videotapes, and I go, ‘Who was I trying to be? Who was I doing this for?’”
When did Marla Maples and Donald Trump divorce?
The media was thirsty for news about Donald Trump’s new love; she became an instant celebrity when the relationship was revealed. Just a couple of months after their romance became public, she spoke out about their relationship, saying she wasn’t the reason Donald Trump had left Ivana. She also had no intentions of profiting from her romance.
In 1993, Marla Maples and Donald Trump got married. They welcomed their daughter, Tiffany Trump, the same year, but their marriage sadly didn’t last. In 1999, the couple got divorced.
Speaking to Access Hollywood, Marla explained that they weren’t the best match after all.
“Well, he and I, were so different, as you could probably imagine,” she said. “I think you always hope in a marriage that you can bring the best out in each other. But after many years, we realized we weren’t.”
Marla Maples had to sign a prenup before the marriage with Donald Trump, and it was a tough one.
Marla Maples prenup
According to Vanity Fair, the prenup showed that Trump really wanted to protect the money he had. Sources told the magazine that Maples wanted $25 million, and Trump only agreed to pay her $1 million if they separated within five years.
In addition, she’d receive another $1 million to buy a house. Trump would also would stop making $100,000 child support payments for his daughter Tiffany when she turned 21. If she got a full-time job, enlisted in the military, or joined the Peace Corps before then, the payments would cease altogether.
Following the divorce, Maples pretty much disappeared from the spotlight. She moved to Los Angeles with Tiffany, and created her own wellness brand.
Marla Maples has appeared in several major movies and TV shows such as Dallas, Clueless and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She’s also held several journalistic jobs, including interviewing NBA superstar Michael Jordan for Inside Edition.
In addition, Maples can also sing. She released the album The Endless in 2013, and even went on Dancing with the Stars in 2016.
Naturally, she wasn’t seen around the White House too much during Trump’s presidency, but in 2018, she decided to speak out.
Reveals Donald Trump’s White House plans
In an interview with Today, Maples revealed that Donald Trump had planned to head to the White House much earlier than 2016.
“Oh. gosh. yes, absolutely, it’s something we thought about doing in the ’90s,” Maples said. “But I knew how difficult it would be on the kids. Donnie, Ivanka and Eric were much younger, and it’s a big toll, it can take a big toll on kids. It’s a whole other world, so yeah.”
Marla Maples’ lifestyle is all about being healthy. On Instagram, followers can see her every step as she works out and practices yoga.
Donald Trump made several controversial statements as President of the United States, but his ex-wife isn’t one to judge him.
“I just think life is about being ready for anything, you know, and where are you going to find the positive in all things, and I choose not to judge anybody else,” Maples said.
“I don’t want to be judged, so how can I judge another human being?” she added. “I just want to give the best version of myself I can, and I just say to all my friends, ‘ let’s just lift this world not bring it down. What can we do to lift it?’”
These days, Marla Maples is focused on wellness and healthy living. After relocating from California to New York, she has been working on SoulShine Journeys—a spiritual travel initiative that helps participants reconnect with themselves through reflection, mindfulness, and renewal.
In 2025, she also celebrated a new chapter in her personal life by becoming a grandmother for the first time. Her daughter, Tiffany, and son-in-law, Michael Boulos, welcomed their son, Alexander Trump Boulos, on May 15. Marla has fully embraced her new role, even giving herself the affectionate nickname “Gran Mar Mar.”
Marla Maples left the spotlight to start her own career, and she’s been successful. Please, share this story with friends and family on Facebook!
