WASHINGTON – A new documentary titled “Melania,” chronicling the life of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, premiered on Friday, drawing varied responses from the public and sharp criticism from media outlets.
The film, which runs for one hour and 44 minutes, focuses on the twenty days leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration in January 2025. It follows the 55-year-old former model through preparations for the event, including meetings with fashion designers and selecting decorations for the White House, moving between the presidential residence in Florida, Trump Tower in New York, and Washington D.C.
While the documentary does not present major revelations, it offers personal glimpses, showing Mrs. Trump’s reaction to her mother’s death and identifying Michael Jackson as her favorite singer. The film includes appearances from figures such as French First Lady Brigitte Macron, who connects with Mrs. Trump via video call.
The premiere was held on Thursday at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recently renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center. President Trump praised the film, describing it as “very good and elegant.”
Financed by Amazon, the documentary is seen as part of a recent warming of relations between Donald Trump and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who was seated in the front row at the January 2025 inauguration. According to U.S. media reports, Amazon invested up to $40 million in the project, with over 70% of that amount reportedly going to Melania Trump. The film is scheduled for a future release on the Amazon Prime Video streaming platform.
Public reception has been divided. In Washington, one viewer, Savannah Harris, commented that the film “presents a different image that makes them a little more human.” Another viewer in Florida, Janet Iglesias, called the film “wonderful.”
In contrast, U.S. media outlets were largely critical. *The Atlantic* magazine described the film as a “disgrace,” while the trade publication *Variety* labeled it “propaganda.” Several reports also noted a significant number of empty seats in theaters, with experts predicting limited box office returns.
Internationally, the film was withdrawn from cinemas in South Africa shortly before its release due to the “current climate,” amid deteriorating relations between Pretoria and Washington.
The choice of Brett Ratner as director also sparked controversy, as he was accused of sexual misconduct by several women during the “Me Too” movement in 2017.
The Melania documentary offers a closer look at the former U.S. First Lady, Melania Trump, during a pivotal political period. Timed around her husband’s second inauguration, the film aims to provide a personal perspective but has been met with polarized opinions. Supporters see it as a humanizing portrait of a private individual, while critics view it as a promotional piece that overlooks more controversial aspects of her public life.
This film arrives amid ongoing discussions about the Trump family’s legacy. The Melania documentary contributes to this narrative by focusing on her role in the White House, even as public debate continues over related topics, such as controversial statues of her in her native Slovenia and remarks made by Donald Trump. The project’s significant funding from Amazon and the controversy surrounding its director have added further layers to its public reception.
According to multiple media sources.
