‘Melania’: Trump’s trump card? Why US First Lady’s $75 million documentary has everyone talking | World News

Washington: As President Donald Trump faces economic uncertainty, rising tensions with Iran and a wave of deportation raids, First Lady Melania Trump is stepping into the spotlight on the big screen.

A documentary titled ‘melania‘ follows the First Lady over the 20 days before her husband’s inauguration in January 2025. Promising unprecedented reach, the film highlights the First Lady’s routines, fashion choices, diplomatic dealings and the complex choreography of Secret Service protection.

In a moment captured in the trailer, Melania says to Trump on the phone, “Hello Mr. President, congratulations.”

When asked whether he watched the opening speech, he replies, “I didn’t, I’ll see it on the news.”

Amazon MGM Studios secured the rights to the film for $40 million, while launching a $35 million marketing campaign that included projecting the trailer onto the Sphere in Las Vegas. Reports suggest the deal also includes a related documentary series exploring its priorities, such as preventive maintenance initiatives, to follow later in the year.

Producer Marc Beckman emphasized that Melania drives the creative direction. “This is definitely not a political movie,” he said, adding that viewers will also be able to see the president’s sense of humor.

He served as executive producer and gained significant editorial control over the project, reportedly taking 70 percent of his $40 million stake.

The documentary was screened privately at the White House on January 24, with the participation of approximately 70 guests, including business leaders. The film, which will officially open in theaters on Friday, January 30, will be released on approximately 1,600 screens worldwide, including 1,500 in the United States, with special Thursday previews to build excitement in select theaters.

Despite the grand launch, advance ticket sales show little interest. Estimates for its opening weekend in North America range from $1 million to $5 million, well below the film’s massive spend. Cinema operators in the UK reported “soft” sales. Social media was quick to mock the nearly empty screenings.

Industry analysts compared it to past documentaries. 2004 film by Michael MooreFahrenheit 9/11‘ had a $6 million budget and earned approximately $24 million in its opening weekend, or $41 million when adjusted for inflation.

Matt Walsh’s ‘Am I a Racist?‘ and Dinesh D’Souza’s ‘2016: Obama’s America‘ achieved much higher box office returns on much smaller budgets.

The film was directed by ‘Brett Ratner’.Rush hour‘franchise’. His return to filmmaking came after a period of controversy over sexual assault allegations in 2017, which he denied.

Beckman described Ratner as “one of the most talented directors of our lifetime” and added that he has a unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences.

‘melania‘ statement also attracted political scrutiny. Observers say the documentary’s huge budget and producer fees raise questions about whether the project will please the Trump administration.

Bloomberg reported that the Trump family generated nearly $1.4 billion in revenue from crypto ventures in their first year back in office, highlighting their ties to wealthy donors and business interests. Some critics called Amazon’s acquisition a calculated move to gain influence.

International reactions varied. South Africa’s leading cinema chains withdrew the documentary, citing the “current climate” amid tense relations between Pretoria and the Trump administration.

Ted Hope, a former Amazon executive, called the purchase an unprecedented one. “This has to be the most expensive documentary ever made that doesn’t involve a music license. How can it not be equated with showering favors or outright bribery?” he asked.

With a price tag of $75 million and global curiosity, ‘‘Melania’ It quickly became one of the most talked about and polarizing documentaries of recent times.