Trump, First Lady Attend Premiere Of Multimillion-Dollar ‘Melania’ Documentary

US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and senior members of his administration attended the world premiere of the documentary Melania on Thursday night in Washington, DC.

The red-carpet event took place at the Kennedy Center, recently renamed the Trump-Kennedy Centre, and marked the debut of a film that promises a behind-the-scenes look at Trump’s return to power. The documentary is funded through a multimillion-dollar licensing deal with Amazon.

Describing the film as “very glamorous,” President Trump said the country needed “some glamour” as he arrived at the premiere holding hands with his wife.

The documentary, titled Melania, focuses on the 20 days leading up to Trump’s second inauguration, told from the perspective of the Slovenian-born former model, who is now 55 years old.

Despite the high-profile premiere, reports of weak ticket sales have sparked debate about the motives behind Amazon’s substantial financial involvement, with critics questioning whether the tech giant is attempting to curry political favour.

Several top officials attended the screening, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Melania Trump has largely remained out of the public spotlight since her husband returned to the White House in January 2025, choosing to spend much of her time with their son, Barron, in New York and Florida.

She said the documentary would help the public understand her better, explaining that viewers would see how she works, communicates, and interacts with people behind the scenes.

A teaser released in December showed Melania moments before Trump’s second swearing-in, looking into the camera and saying, “Here we go again.”

The Trumps also held a private White House screening of the documentary shortly after a controversial incident in Minneapolis, where immigration agents shot and killed a protester, an event that sparked nationwide outrage. In promotional interviews following the incident, Melania called for unity.

While the film promises unprecedented access to her life, it has also highlighted the growing closeness between Trump and major business figures. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has notably aligned himself more closely with the administration over the past year.

Reports indicate that Amazon’s licensing deal for the film is worth about $40 million, with Melania Trump, who served as executive producer, receiving approximately 70 percent of that amount. The next highest competing bid was reportedly far lower.

In addition, Amazon is said to have funded a massive marketing campaign worth about $35 million, including television commercials, billboards, and simultaneous screenings in select theatres.

Critics have raised concerns about the arrangement, questioning whether it constitutes an inappropriate financial benefit tied to political power. The White House, however, maintains that President Trump does not profit personally from his office.

Trump promoted the documentary on his Truth Social platform, calling it “a must watch,” but online reactions have been mixed, with some users mocking low ticket sales at cinemas.

The film has also been withdrawn from cinemas in South Africa, with distributors citing the prevailing political climate. Relations between South Africa and the Trump administration have been strained in recent months.

Further controversy surrounds the documentary’s director, Brett Ratner, marking his first major project since multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct in 2017—allegations he has denied. Melania Trump defended the choice, describing Ratner as talented and professional.