Full Breakdown
Melania Trump Documentary Faces Controversy and Weak Ticket Sales Ahead of Release
1/27/2026, 6:39:49 AM
Overview of the Documentary and Its Release
The documentary *Melania*, directed by Brett Ratner, chronicles the life of First Lady Melania Trump during the 20 days leading up to her husband Donald Trump's second inauguration in January 2025. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the film for $40 million and is backing it with an additional $35 million marketing budget. The film is set to premiere at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center on January 29, 2026, before its theatrical release on January 30, 2026, across approximately 1,400 screens in 27 countries.
White House Screening Amid Controversy
On January 24, 2026, Melania Trump hosted a private screening of the documentary at the White House, attended by around 70 VIPs, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and Queen Rania of Jordan. The event was criticized for its timing, coinciding with the aftermath of the shooting of Alex Pretti, a nurse killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. Critics, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, condemned the screening as inappropriate given the national unrest.
Melania Trump expressed her gratitude for the attendees, stating, “I am deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night.” The screening featured a full military band playing *Melania’s Waltz*, a song composed for the film, and guests received commemorative merchandise, including black-and-white popcorn boxes and framed tickets.
Ticket Sales and Public Reception
Despite the high-profile marketing efforts, ticket sales for *Melania* have been described as "soft." Reports indicate that advance sales in the UK have been particularly weak, with some screenings showing no tickets sold at all. Tim Richards, CEO of Vue, one of the UK’s largest cinema chains, noted that the decision to screen the film has drawn criticism from the public.
In the U.S., projections for the film's opening weekend box office range from $1 million to $5 million, significantly lower than the expectations for a typical documentary. The film's marketing strategy includes extensive advertising across various platforms, but early indicators suggest it may struggle to attract audiences.
Criticism and Opposition
The film has faced backlash not only for its content but also for the involvement of Brett Ratner, who has been accused of sexual misconduct. Critics have questioned the ethical implications of the film's production, particularly given the substantial financial investment from Amazon, which some perceive as an attempt to curry favor with the Trump administration.
Tim Cook's attendance at the screening has drawn particular ire, with many calling for boycotts of Apple products. Critics argue that his presence at the event, alongside individuals like Ratner, undermines his previously stated values regarding social justice and corporate responsibility.
Official Statements and Responses
Marc Beckman, Melania Trump's senior adviser, emphasized her active role in the film's production, stating, “She was involved in the production, the postproduction, all of the ad campaign, the trailer.” Donald Trump has also promoted the film, calling it a "MUST WATCH" on social media, despite the lack of detailed commentary on its content.
What's Next for *Melania*
As the film approaches its official release, Melania Trump is scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, further promoting the documentary. The outcome of this high-profile project remains uncertain, with many observers closely monitoring its box office performance and public reception in the coming weeks.
