President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the world premiere of the documentary 'Melania' at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on Thursday evening, January 29, 2026. The event marked a high-profile rollout for the film, which gives a personal view of Melania Trump's life as she returned to the role of first lady after her husband's re-election. Both Trumps walked the red carpet together, joined by political figures and media guests, ahead of the film's global release.
Background
The documentary 'Melania' covers the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration. It shows Melania Trump handling her businesses, philanthropy work, family care, and the setup of her White House team. A teaser clip from December featured her looking at the camera just before the swearing-in ceremony and saying, 'Here we go again.'
The Trumps held a private screening at the White House the day before the public premiere, on Saturday. That came hours after immigration agents shot and killed a protester named Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The incident has led to widespread anger across the country. In interviews this week, Melania Trump spoke about unity in response to the event.
This project is Melania Trump's first major film as executive producer. She served in that role and stands to earn a large share from the deal. The film comes at a time when the Trump family faces questions about business ties linked to the presidency. The White House has said President Trump does not make money from his position and is already wealthy.
Key Details
Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, bought the rights to 'Melania' and a related series for $40 million. Reports say Melania Trump will get 70% of that amount, or about $28 million. Disney bid $14 million but lost out. Amazon also spent $35 million on marketing, including TV ads, billboards, and a simulcast in 25 theaters alongside the premiere.
The Kennedy Center event had a red carpet with Melania Trump arriving in style. Guests included political and media people. The center, now called the Trump-Kennedy Center, hosted the screening. President Trump posted on his Truth Social account calling the film 'A MUST WATCH.'
Funding and Backers
The deal has raised eyebrows. Bezos sat in a prime spot at the inauguration and has pushed his Washington Post to run pro-business pieces. Some former Amazon film executives question if the purchase looks like an attempt to gain favor with the administration.
"How can it not be equated with currying favor or an outright bribe?" – Ted Hope, former Amazon film executive
The director, Brett Ratner, faced sexual misconduct claims from several women in 2017, which he denies. This is his first big project since then.
Ticket sales have been mixed. Two theaters reported sold-out opening day screenings, but social media posts show empty seats at others. In South Africa, main cinema chains pulled the film, citing the 'current climate.' That country has tense relations with the Trump administration over claims of a 'white genocide' against the Afrikaans community, which officials there call false.
Melania Trump spoke to reporters at the premiere. She said the film shows what it takes to be first lady again, moving from private life back to the White House.
"I want to show the audience my life, what it takes to be a first lady again and [the] transition from private citizen back to the White House." – Melania Trump
She described it as 'beautiful, emotional, fashionable, and cinematic' and said she is proud of it.
What This Means
The premiere puts a spotlight on how business leaders connect with the Trump administration. Amazon's big investment comes as Bezos builds ties, including better coverage in his paper. Analysts watch if the film draws big audiences on 1,500 screens. Early signs show strong interest in some spots but not others.
For Melania Trump, the project boosts her public image. It highlights her choices to speak or stay quiet in the role, as she put it. The timing, right after the Minneapolis shooting, adds layers as she calls for unity.
The event also stirs talk about family profits during the presidency. Critics point to past deals, but the White House dismisses them. President Trump's support on social media keeps the buzz going.
South Africa's decision shows global pushback in places with rocky ties to the US. The film's rollout tests how it lands worldwide amid these issues.
Overall, 'Melania' blends personal story with political moment. It captures her return to Washington power circles and the deals that fund it. The Kennedy Center night set the stage for wider release, with eyes on box office and reactions.
