Paolo Zampolli: Trump’s matchmaker

Paolo Zampolli: Trump’s matchmaker

September 1, 2026 · 48 min · Season 1 · Episode 437

About this episode

The episode explores Paolo Zampolli's journey from the fashion world to becoming a close associate of Donald Trump, highlighting the intertwining of private interests and public office.

Paolo Zampolli, the Italian modelling agent who introduced Donald Trump to his future wife, Melania, has gone from the 1990s fashion world to the very top of the Trump administration, joining the small circle of loyalists Trump likes to keep close to advance his brand and influence. It is a story about how power works at the White House and how the distinction between private interests and public office are increasingly blurred. Reporter: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Jonathan Lewis and Amalie Sortland Sound Design: Dominic Delargy Artwork: Emma O’Neill Editor: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Stephen Armstrong

Guest: Paolo Zampolli

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Observer, Acast

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