Amazon MGM Studios' documentary 'Melania,' directed by Brett Ratner, debuted on January 30, 2026, chronicling the first lady's preparations in the 20 days leading to Donald Trump's second inauguration. Despite negative critical reception branding it as a boring infomercial, the film is projected to earn $8 million in its opening weekend, the best for a documentary in a decade. The premiere at the Kennedy Center on January 29 drew political figures and protests amid national unrest.
The documentary 'Melania' offers an intimate yet controlled glimpse into Melania Trump's life as she transitions back to first lady, filmed from early January 2025 at Mar-a-Lago through the January 20 inauguration in Washington, D.C. Director Brett Ratner, making his first feature since 2014's 'Hercules' following sexual misconduct allegations, captured unfettered access to her daily routines, including fashion fittings with designer Hervé Pierre, discussions with interior designers about White House renovations like the Rose Garden and Bowling Alley, and a Zoom call with French first lady Brigitte Macron on cyberbullying.
Candid moments include Melania suggesting the word 'unifier' in Trump's inaugural speech, prompting him to quip, 'Don’t put that on tape, please,' before relenting with, 'The wife gave me a good idea.' She shares her favorite song as Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean,' lip-syncing to it in a limo, and reflects in voiceover on her immigrant journey: 'Walking into the Capitol Rotunda, I felt the weight of history intertwined with my own journey as an immigrant... no matter where we come from, we are bound by the same humanity.' Other scenes feature her mourning her mother's death on January 9, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and a late-night White House dinner with Trump, where he praises her as 'great' after inaugural balls.
Produced with Melania as a key figure for $40 million—plus $35 million in marketing—the film avoids controversies like Trump's executive orders or January 6 pardons. Reviews are harsh: Variety called it a 'cheeseball infomercial of staggering inertia,' while Deadline deemed it 'butt-numbingly boring.' Despite no advance screenings and crew members requesting credit removal due to polarization, presales overindex in rural areas, with strong showings in Florida and Texas. The Kennedy Center premiere attracted MAGA allies like Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but faced protests tied to recent ICE incidents. Internationally, it was pulled from South African theaters amid 'current climate' concerns.
Ratner described the shoot as challenging, filming in real time across locations with up to 80 crew. Melania emphasized the film's purpose: 'Americans and people all over the world should witness the incredible amount of planning and work required.' As her branding pivot, it signals more lifestyle ventures ahead.
