Melania Trump Documentary Premieres in Washington Amid Political Backdrop
A grand premiere for Melania, a high-budget documentary focusing on former US First Lady Melania Trump, gathered senior Trump administration members, international celebrities, and business leaders at Washington's Kennedy Center on Thursday. This event unfolded even as domestic and foreign policy challenges continued to create tension for the White House.
Film Details and Production Insights
The documentary, reportedly financed at $75 million by Amazon MGM Studios, follows the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration and the family's return to the White House. Melania Trump herself is listed among the producers of the project.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Amazon MGM allocated $40 million to license the film and an accompanying docuseries, with an additional $35 million dedicated to promotion and international distribution efforts.
Premiere Highlights and Attendees
Donald Trump and Melania Trump were observed leaving the White House together to attend the premiere, where they also interacted with the media. The event featured several cabinet members in attendance, including:
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
These officials walked on a black carpet—rather than the traditional red—under a large monochrome backdrop displaying the word MELANIA. An anonymous US official informed Reuters that cabinet attendance was considered obligatory for the occasion.
During the premiere, Melania Trump shared her motivation behind the production, stating, "I want to show the people what it takes to go from private citizen to being a First Lady again."
Responses to Allegations and Film's Purpose
Amazon and the film's director, Brett Ratner, addressed suggestions that the studio's investment aimed to gain favor with the Trump administration. Ratner clarified to reporters, "It wasn't about getting rich. I think the Trumps are wealthy and successful enough."
Donald Trump also dismissed these claims, labeling them as fake news and emphasizing, "I'm not involved, and it was done with my wife."
An Amazon spokesperson reinforced this stance, explaining, "We licensed the film for one reason and one reason only – because we think customers are going to love it."
Documentary Content and Guest List
The documentary provides rare access to Melania Trump, who has maintained a relatively low public profile during her husband's second term. The trailer begins on Inauguration Day in January 2025, showing Melania advising the president to highlight themes of peacemaker and unifier in his inaugural address.
The premiere attracted a diverse array of guests from various fields, including:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino
- Musician Waka Flocka Flame
- Jordan Belfort
- Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams
- US Second Lady Usha Vance
Release and Box Office Projections
Melania is scheduled to open in approximately 1,700 theatres across the United States and Canada on Friday. The film has benefited from an extensive marketing campaign for a documentary, featuring:
- NFL playoff television advertisements
- Global billboards
- Projections at Las Vegas's Sphere
Box office analysts estimate that the documentary could earn up to $5 million during its opening weekend, reflecting the significant promotional efforts behind its launch.
