By Keerthi Ramesh
First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday premiered her self-produced documentary, Melania, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, drawing a mix of political attention and online chatter days before its global release.
The film, which documents the 20 days leading up to her husband’s return to the White House after the 2024 election, will open Friday in more than 1,500 theatres across the United States and internationally. Backed by Amazon MGM Studios in a reported $40 million deal, Melania offers what the first lady described as a “behind-the-scenes look” at her life, philanthropic work, business activities and family responsibilities as she resumed her role as first lady.
At the black-tie premiere, Melania Trump walked the charcoal-colored walkway with President Donald Trump, who hailed the film as “meaningful” and “glamorous.” Melania, wearing an elegant all-black ensemble, called the documentary “beautiful,” “emotional,” “fashionable” and “cinematic,” and said it would give audiences a rare glimpse into her world.
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“This film shows what it takes to be first lady again,” Melania Trump told reporters. “It’s a window into history.”
The documentary marks a rare venture for a sitting first lady into commercial film production, and also represents the directorial return of Brett Ratner, whose career was hindered by misconduct allegations.
But Melania has faced controversy beyond traditional reviews. On social media, posts circulated claiming President Trump had shared that the documentary would be mandatory viewing in U.S. history classes, a claim debunked by fact-checkers. Snopes found no evidence that Trump ever made such a post, labeling the viral claim false.
The misinformation highlights the challenge of separating fact from rumor in the highly charged political landscape surrounding the Trump family. Experts say viral posts often misrepresent official statements or exaggerate intent, pushing narratives that lack verifiable support.
Reactions to the documentary have varied. Some conservative figures and supporters praised the project as an unprecedented personal narrative from a modern first lady, while critics question both its timing and artistic merit. Promotional posters around the United States have been defaced by vandals, reflecting broader divisions in public reception.
Industry observers note that documentaries traditionally underperform at the box office compared with narrative features, and Amazon’s investment raises questions about commercial expectations versus political influence.
Amazon MGM Studios says the film will be available exclusively for streaming on Prime Video after its theatrical run. Melania’s participation as executive producer and the timing of the release have also sparked ethical discussions about the role of political figures in commercial media.