Everything We Think Vanessa Trump Will Do Following Her Divorce From Donald Trump Jr.
Vanessa and Donald Trump Jr. confirmed the speculation they’re separating on March 15. In the days that have followed, the couple’s spokespeople have released very few details, leading the public to wonder: What is next for the exes?
We compiled the list of things we think Vanessa Trump may focus on following her divorce as well as the one question everyone has about the proceedings (page 7).
1. There probably won’t be a custody battle
The couple probably has custody worked out. | Brian Ach/Getty Images for Make-A-Wish Metro New York
Vanessa filed for divorce from Donald Jr. on March 15 in an uncontested proceeding — which means it’s likely the couple has already arranged how they’ll take care of their five kids. Sources believe Donald, like the rest of the Trumps, has a “cast-iron prenup” that divides up their assets and time with the children.
Next: Here’s what Ivanka expects Vanessa will be doing.
2. She’ll be taking care of her kids
She’ll take care of the kids. | Donald Trump Jr. via Instagram
The couple has five kids age 10 and under — Kai Madison, Donald III, Tristan Milos, Spencer Frederick, and Chloe Sophia. A close friend of the Trump family told PEOPLE that Vanessa is a very hands-on parent, so we expect she’ll spend a lot of her time after the divorce with them.
Ivanka, now Vanessa’s former sister-in-law, called Vanessa “a machine” when it comes to parenting. “She can take all of [my children] and not even notice. She has five children and she’s Wonder Woman to me. She can be taking care of them all simultaneously, each pulling on her and have direct meaningful connections with each of them at one time. It’s remarkable.”
Next: Vanessa may choose to revive her former career.
3. She could go back to acting or modeling
Could she go back into the modeling world? | William West/Getty Images
Vanessa’s classmates once voted her “Most Likely to Wind Up on Ricki Lake” for the yearbook superlatives. She did appear on television multiple times, although never on Ricki Lake. Vanessa appeared as a “Beauty” in Something’s Gotta Give, the 2003 romcom starring Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. She made appearances as herself on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It, and on her father-in-law’s show The Apprentice.
Bonnie Haydon, Vanessa’s mother, ran Kay Models agency in New York City. Vanessa started off with Next Model Management and was presented as a model in her wedding announcement. She walked in shows worldwide, sat front row at New York Fashion Week, and appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia.
Next: Maybe she’ll cross a few items off her bucket list.
4. She may open another nightclub or travel the world
Could a tropical vacation be in the works? | iStock.com/valio84sl
Vanessa and her sister, Veronika, were close in age and in business. The sisters, born 11 months apart, launched a nightclub in 2003. They embarked on their passion project, a club called Sessa, after years on the Manhattan party scene. WWD reported on Sessa’s opening and interviewed the sisters. “It all puts you in Bali,” Vanessa said. “I’ve never been there, but I’d like to go.”
5. Or try to revive her failed handbag line
Will she get back to designing handbags? | Getty Images/Getty Images for Imperia Vodka
Vanessa and Veronika explored another joint venture nearly a decade after Sessa. They developed a handbag line, La Poshett, which were sold from around 2011 to 2013. The bags were sold at trunk shows that arguably impressed buyers. “We visited the @LaPoshett Trunk Show by @MrsVanessaTrump at The Plaza. We purchased The Tote. A truly fabulous piece,” BuyMyCloset tweeted.
6. She’ll be cycling her troubles away
Vanessa Trump loves SoulCycle. | Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for American Express
You may share one of Vanessa’s favorite hobbies: SoulCycle. Her obsession with the cycling classes seems to be so prominent that her kids have drawn her hobby on more than one art project. SoulCycle and Vanessa even exchanged some friendly Twitter banter.
“I just had a great workout @soulcycle! Now meeting my hubby @DonaldTrumpJr for lunch!” she said before SoulCycle asked “What’s on the menu?”
Next: Everyone is wondering what Vanessa will do next …
7. The real question: Will she still support the Trump administration?
Could she have damaging information on the Trump family? | Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
The couple has asked for the respect of their privacy in the days following the divorce. But there is one aspect of the couple’s amicable separation that people won’t leave alone. Paperwork filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court revealed Vanessa hired NY-based lawyer David Feureisen, a criminal defense attorney. “There is no explanation for retaining a criminal defense attorney for a divorce case. Even when filing an uncontested divorce, the general practice is to retain a matrimonial attorney,” a celebrity divorce lawyer said to PEOPLE.
Vanessa’s spokeswoman responded that Feureisen is an old family friend and is familiar with divorce proceedings as well. Since the two aren’t planning to battle over custody and assets, many speculate she is preparing to be drawn into special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
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