WASHINGTON (MNN); “Melania”, a documentary produced by Amazon MGM Studios that follows US First Lady Melania Trump during preparations for her husband Donald Trump’s second inauguration, opened in theatres on Saturday across the United States.
The wide release came a day after a high-profile premiere at the Kennedy Center, recently renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, where former president Donald Trump described the film as “glamorous”.
At a screening in Washington, held amid severe winter weather, viewers said they were eager to see a more personal side of the usually reserved first lady. One attendee, Savannah Harrison, said she was intrigued to watch what happens behind the scenes and praised the film for presenting a more human side of the presidential couple.
The documentary, which runs for one hour and 44 minutes, tracks Melania Trump over the 20 days leading up to the January 20, 2025 inauguration. It shows her moving between the family’s Florida residence, Trump Tower in New York and the White House, attending appointments, selecting outfits for Inauguration Day and overseeing preparations for their return to Washington.
While the film avoids sensational disclosures, Melania speaks about the profound impact of her mother’s death and reveals personal details, including her admiration for singer Michael Jackson. The documentary also features appearances by international figures, including French First Lady Brigitte Macron, who is seen in a video call with her American counterpart.
Reactions to the film have been mixed. In Los Angeles, where Donald Trump lost heavily in the 2024 election, a billboard promoting the documentary was vandalised in an apparent political protest.
Following its theatrical run, “Melania” will be available for streaming on Prime Video.
