Audrey Hepburn’s Surprising Trump Family Connection

Ivanka Trump turned heads on January 20, 2025, at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, not just with her poise, but with a powerful homage to the legendary Audrey Hepburn. Wearing a recreated Givenchy gown made famous by Hepburn in the 1954 film Sabrina, Ivanka paid tribute to a woman who, while from a different era, still resonates deeply today.

But the connection between the Trump family and Hepburn runs deeper than a stylish gown. Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, recently revealed a unique bond between his family and the Trumps, one that stretches back decades.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail, Ferrer shared that Marla Maples, President Donald Trump’s second wife, had been a key figure in the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund during the early ’90s. Maples served on the advisory board, and it was during this time that the Trump family hosted a charity event to celebrate Tiffany Trump’s first birthday. Aptly named “Breakfast with Tiffany,” the event was a nod to Hepburn’s unforgettable role in the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s—a fitting tribute to both the Trump family and the iconic actress.

Adding further intrigue, Ferrer also disclosed that Ivana Trump, Donald Trump’s first wife, had once been romantically involved with Rofredo Gaetani, the son of Hepburn’s close friend, Lorian Gaetani. It’s these unexpected ties that highlight just how intertwined the Trump family and the Hepburn legacy truly are.

Ivanka Trump’s decision to wear a gown that was originally designed for Hepburn in Sabrina was more than just a fashion statement—it was a reflection of the admiration Ivanka has for the late actress. In a statement to Vogue, a White House representative confirmed that Ivanka had always been inspired by Hepburn, noting that the gown was “a symbol of elegance, grace, and timeless style.”

Reflecting on his mother’s lasting influence, Ferrer told The Daily Mail, “It’s no surprise that Ivanka chose to honor my mother. When you grow up in a family with such close connections to her, drawing from that elegance and legacy seems almost natural, especially for such a monumental event as this.”

Ferrer, whose mother passed away 32 years ago, couldn’t help but express his pride in the enduring relevance of Hepburn’s legacy. “Over the past 71 years, her legacy has grown to become both transgenerational and transnational,” he said. “Her elegance, rooted in inner beauty and spirit, continues to inspire celebrities, models, and actresses. In these times, when we seem to have lost our way, she remains an anchor for so many.”

But even as Ferrer acknowledges the Trump family’s tribute to his mother, he admits that Audrey Hepburn might not have fully embraced the current political climate, especially under President Trump’s leadership. “My mother fought for the disenfranchised, for children in need all around the world, regardless of their politics or where they were born,” Ferrer said, acknowledging the stark contrast between Hepburn’s humanitarian work and the polarized environment of modern politics.

Nonetheless, the unexpected ties between the Hepburns and the Trumps add another layer to an already rich legacy, one that continues to captivate and inspire across generations.