Jeff Bezos Defends Amazon’s $75 Million Melania Documentary Amid Bribery Allegations

Amazon MGM Studios bought the documentary “Melania” in early 2025, paying $40 million for rights and $35 million for marketing. The film, covering Melania Trump’s final weeks before Donald Trump’s second inauguration, opened in theaters in January and later streamed on Prime Video, sparking debate over whether the purchase was intended to curry favor with the Trump administration.

Variety Magazine

Amazon MGM said it won the film after a “thorough and competitive bidding process,” outbidding Disney by $26 million. The premium led Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Hank Johnson to request a probe into a possible “pay-to-play” scheme under anti-bribery law.

Variety Magazine

“Melania” earned $16.6 million worldwide against a $75 million cost, with an $8 million opening weekend. Nielsen data later placed it seventh among the top ten streaming movies in its first week, with 230 million minutes viewed, and it topped Prime Video’s chart soon after.

Daily Beast

Jeff Bezos told CNBC the claim Amazon bought the film to “buy influence” is false and that he had no role; he called it a “good business decision” driven by audience interest. Amazon VP of public policy Brian Huseman said the company disagrees with any suggestion of impropriety and that the acquisition was based on cultural relevance after a competitive bid. A studio spokesperson said the film was licensed “because we think customers are going to love it.”

Variety Magazine

In a March 15 letter, Warren and Johnson warned that Amazon’s “far-above-market” payment raises anti-bribery concerns and demanded assurance the company is not using money for political favor. Media commentator Kevin Fallon called the documentary “insipid propaganda” and an “abomination,” reflecting broader criticism.

Variety Magazine

Box-office receipts show a loss, while streaming data indicates strong viewer engagement. Lawmakers focus on the high purchase price and alleged pay-to-play motives; Amazon stresses a competitive process and audience demand. No legal determination has been made, leaving the allegation unresolved.

Daily Beast

• “The ‘Melania’ thing is a falsehood that will not die,” — Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder

Variety Magazine

• “We disagree with any suggestion that Amazon’s decision to license this film and accompanying series was improper. We regularly release documentaries that offer unique perspectives on cultural and historical figures across the political spectrum.” — Brian Huseman, Amazon VP of public policy

Variety Magazine

• “The fact that Amazon is seeking favorable treatment from the Trump Administration while paying a far-above-market sum to produce and promote the Trump family’s film raises questions about Amazon’s exposure under federal anti-bribery law,” — Elizabeth Warren and Hank Johnson, lawmakers

Variety Magazine

• “Melania is a level of insipid propaganda that almost resists review; it’s so expected and utterly pointless.” — Kevin Fallon, editor-at-large, The Daily Beast

Daily Beast

Amazon plans to release a related docuseries later in 2026, while the congressional inquiry requested additional documentation on the bidding process and any potential links to the Trump administration.

Variety Magazine