The premiere of a documentary titled Melania was meant to be a cinematic celebration of one of the most enigmatic figures in American political history. Released in late January 2026, the film was designed to pull back the velvet curtain on Melania Trump’s life, offering what she described as an “intimate” and “incredible” look at her journey and responsibilities. However, as the film officially hit U.S. theaters on January 30, the narrative shifted from the glamour of the screen to the stark reality of the box office. Despite high-profile endorsements and a massive licensing deal, the documentary’s debut has been marred by reports of empty theaters, “zero bookings,” and a frantic behind-the-scenes effort to salvage the project’s public image.
The origins of the project date back to the final weeks of 2024, just before Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Amazon reportedly secured the licensing rights for approximately $40 million, a figure that suggested the streaming and theatrical giant expected a massive cultural moment. During the production phase, Melania Trump herself framed the documentary as a necessary correction to the public’s perception of her. Speaking with Fox, she emphasized that the film would reveal the “incredibly busy” nature of her daily life—elements she believed the public had yet to truly see or understand. Originally slated for late 2025, the release was strategically moved to January 30, 2026, to capitalize on the one-year anniversary of the administration’s return to Washington.
Continue reading next page…