The former model has publicly revealed a cancer diagnosis, sharing the news in a heartfelt Instagram post. She is now leaning on family for support as she works closely with her medical team.
She has spent years quietly raising five children, staying largely out of the spotlight — but now, Vanessa Trump has something important she can no longer keep to herself.
Vanessa Trump attends the 139th White House Easter Egg Roll at The White House on April 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
On Thursday, May 21, the 48-year-old former model and ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. shared a deeply personal announcement on Instagram, revealing that she has been diagnosed with cancer.
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she wrote in a statement posted to her account. “While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan.”
Vanessa Trump attends the 140th annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 2, 2018 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
Vanessa went on to thank her doctors for performing a procedure earlier this week. She described herself as “staying focused and hopeful” while surrounded by the love of her family and those closest to her.
She closed with a message that felt both firm and gracious:
“Thank you for your kindness and support — it truly means more than I can express. I kindly ask for privacy as I focus on my health and recovery.”
The post drew an outpouring of support almost immediately, with thousands of followers flooding the comments section with messages of love and encouragement.
“God bless you in this fight,” one follower urged. “Praying for you, Vanessa ❤️,” another wrote tenderly. “I am so sorry. Praying 🙏,” a third commenter expressed with quiet grief.
Vanessa Trump looks on before a match between Jupiter Links GC and The Bay Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 3, 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Perhaps the most high-profile response came from Ivanka Trump, who wrote, “Praying for your continued strength and a swift recovery. Love you mama.”
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Kai Trump, Vanessa’s eldest daughter, also weighed in with characteristic warmth, writing, “Love you! Strongest person ever ❤️.”
Kai and Vanessa Trump, as seen in a photo shared on November 13, 2025. | Source: Instagram/officialvanessatrump
Vanessa is a mother to five children — Kai, 19; Donald, 17; Tristan, 14; Spencer, 13; and Chloe, 11 — all of whom she shares with her ex-husband, Donald Jr.
The pair were married in 2005 and went on to build a large family together, welcoming their fifth and youngest child, Chloe Sophia, in June 2014. At the time, Donald Jr. excitedly described the arrival as bringing home “our little bundle of joy” on social media.
The marriage, however, did not last. Vanessa filed for divorce in March 2018, and the case, initially listed as uncontested before being reclassified, made its way to a New York courtroom that July.
State Supreme Court Justice Michael Katz praised the couple for resolving all matters relating to their five children and parental rights without putting the kids through what he called an “invasive legal process.”
Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump attend the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 21, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. | Source: Getty Images
The couple entered and left the courthouse together that day, and both smiled throughout the brief proceeding. In a joint statement, the two said they would “always have tremendous respect for each other.”
Since the divorce, Vanessa has maintained a low profile, focusing her energy on her children and keeping personal matters largely away from the public eye.
