Story perspectives

Controversy Erupts Over Melania Trump's $40M Documentary

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brett Ratner, the film director of Melania Trump's new documentary, faced backlash after reports that two-thirds of the crew requested to remain uncredited.
The documentary cost $40 million to produce and $35 million to market.
It premiered at the Kennedy Center amid controversy.
Crew members described the set as chaotic and disorganized, with some expressing discomfort over its perceived propaganda nature.
Ratner denied knowledge of the credit refusals, attributing them to "day players," and the documentary's opening weekend is projected to earn only $1-5 million.

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Story summary

Brett Ratner, the film director of Melania Trump's new documentary, faced backlash after reports that two-thirds of the crew requested to remain uncredited.
The documentary cost $40 million to produce and $35 million to market.
It premiered at the Kennedy Center amid controversy.
Crew members described the set as chaotic and disorganized, with some expressing discomfort over its perceived propaganda nature.
Ratner denied knowledge of the credit refusals, attributing them to "day players," and the documentary's opening weekend is projected to earn only $1-5 million.