A new documentary titled “Melania,” chronicling the life of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, has generated mixed public reactions and sharp criticism from media outlets following its premiere on Friday.
The one-hour and 44-minute film focuses on the twenty days preceding Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration in January 2025. It follows the 55-year-old former model as she prepares for the event, including meetings with fashion designers and selecting White House decorations, moving between the presidential residence in Florida, Trump Tower in New York, and Washington, D.C.
While the documentary does not offer major revelations, it provides personal glimpses, such as Mrs. Trump’s reaction to her mother’s death and her statement that Michael Jackson is her favorite singer. The film also features an appearance by French First Lady Brigitte Macron, who communicates 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 film is viewed as part of a recent improvement in 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 this amount reportedly paid to Melania Trump. The film is scheduled for a later 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 picture that makes them somewhat more human.” Another viewer in Florida, Janet Iglesias, said the film was “wonderful.”
In contrast, U.S. media has been largely critical. The Atlantic magazine called the film 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 pulled from cinemas in South Africa shortly before its release due to the “current climate,” amidst deteriorating relations between Pretoria and Washington.
The choice of Brett Ratner to direct the film has also sparked controversy, as he was accused by several women of sexual misconduct during the “Me Too” movement in 2017.
The new Melania documentary offers a close look at the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration, providing personal insights into the life of Melania Trump. The film has become a major topic of discussion, attracting both supporters who find it humanizing and critics who dismiss it as propaganda. Financed by Amazon, the project highlights the complex relationship between politics and media.
Public and critical reception for the Melania documentary has been sharply divided. While some viewers have praised its intimate portrayal, major news outlets have offered harsh critiques. The controversy is further fueled by the film’s international reception and the choice of its director, Brett Ratner, making this documentary a significant cultural and political event.
According to multiple media sources.
