In the span of America’s modern history, few figures have been as polarizing as Donald Trump. As a businessman, reality TV star, and the 45th President of the United States, Trump has been a prominent figure in contemporary culture. A lesser-discussed aspect of his life, however, are the women he was married to: Ivana Trump, Marla Maples, and Melania Trump. Each woman has her own distinct background and experiences that both shaped and were shaped by their marriage to Trump.

When discussing the marriages of Donald Trump with students, educators should approach the topic from various angles to facilitate well-rounded analysis and minimize preconceived notions. Here are some recommended guidelines for teaching students about Trump wives:

1. Contextualize the Marriages Within Modern History

Help students recognize how Trump’s marriages fit into broader historical and cultural contexts. Discuss pertinent world events, social movements, and changes in societal attitudes during these relationships. By understanding the wider implications, students can draw connections between personal relationships and broader historical trends.

2. Highlight The Individual Achievements of Each Wife

Inform your students about the accomplishments and contributions made by IvanaTrump, Marla Maples, and Melania Trump. Present information on their careers before meeting Trump and explain how they continued to build on these after their relationships ended (e.g., Ivana’s entrepreneurial ventures). This will help students understand each wife as an independent person who contributed more to society than just being married to a prominent figure.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking Through Discussion

Engage your students in open discussions that allow them to express their perspectives on topics related to marital dynamics and societal expectations of powerful men in relationships. Discuss with them questions such as “How do you think these women might have been influenced by their marriages to Donald Trump?” or “What does it mean to overcome challenges as a woman in the public eye?” This will demonstrate the complexity of their life stories and influence students to approach the topic critically.

4. Address Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Teaching about Trump wives can provide an opportunity to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding women who marry high-profile, powerful men. Encourage your students to question their assumptions and consider other factors that may have shaped these women’s lives beyond their marriages.

5. Focus on Empowerment and Resilience

Discuss how each of the Trump wives demonstrated strength, resilience, and empowerment despite personal adversities. Highlight their accomplishments, decisions, or actions that reflect autonomy, self-agency, or courageousness in navigating difficult situations.

By teaching about Trump wives with empathy, objectivity, and attention to their individual merit, educators can help enrich students’ understanding of modern history while also providing valuable insights into women’s empowerment.