The documentary Melania, produced by Melania Trump, premiered Thursday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., ahead of its global release. The film chronicles a 20-day period leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration, focusing on the days before Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary covered Melania Trump’s activities and preparations during this crucial timeframe. It portrayed her managing various responsibilities and the transition leading to the inauguration. The film has a runtime of 104 minutes and carries a production budget reported at around $40 million, reflecting significant investment likely related to high production values, including visual effects.
The premiere event at the Kennedy Center drew attendance from several guests connected to the Trump administration and political sphere. The film’s release followed Melania Trump’s first year back in the role of first lady, marking her public efforts to document a key moment in the Trump political timeline.
The documentary’s production reportedly involved complex technical aspects and substantial resources, evidenced by a budget considerably larger than typical documentary films. Industry reports indicated that this budget covered elaborate CGI and animatronic effects, aiming to provide a visually engaging narrative.
While the premiere offered the first public screening, the documentary has faced challenges beyond its initial showing. Reports surfaced from crew members describing difficult working conditions during filming and post-production. Accounts revealed significant labor issues and dissatisfaction among workers involved in the project, which contributed to a troubled production history.
Critics and audiences reacted variably to the documentary, noting its focus on a narrow time frame within a politically charged context. The project’s ambitious scope and expensive production did not fully shield it from negative reception and operational difficulties. This situation contrasts with the film’s official portrayal of Melania Trump’s private and public roles during an intense political transition.
The release of Melania occurs amid ongoing political divisions and public scrutiny surrounding the Trump family’s continued influence on American politics. In this light, the documentary functions as a record intended to shape the narrative of Melania Trump’s experience during a pivotal moment for the former president’s return to power.
The film is set for distribution through major networks and digital platforms, enabling a wide audience reach beyond the initial Kennedy Center premiere. This rollout strategy follows a trend of political figures using documentary filmmaking to control their public image and offer insider perspectives on their lives and actions.
