Donald Trump and Marla Maples reportedly began dating in 1989, though exact details of when their romantic relationship officially started are not widely confirmed by specific months. Their relationship became public in 1990 when Donald's affair with Marla was exposed, contributing to his separation from Ivana. As for how they met, Marla and Donald reportedly crossed paths in 1985 in New York City, possibly at a social event or through mutual friends. Marla, a model and actress from Georgia, moved to New York to pursue her career, and their relationship developed during Trump’s marriage to Ivana. Their affair became a tabloid sensation, leading to considerable media attention in the early 1990s.