Melania Documentary Bombs as Theaters Pull Screenings Nationwide

Reports indicate that early screenings of the documentary Melania are being quietly canceled at multiple U.S. theaters as the film heads toward a serious box-office setback.

Despite a reported $40 million production budget and nearly $35 million spent on marketing, industry projections suggest the film may struggle to reach even $5 million in its opening weekend. Coverage around declining interest has coincided with renewed attention on doctor-issued warnings that sparked fresh health fears around Donald Trump and subsequent reporting that concerns about Trump’s health continue to escalate as president, even as Trump has publicly attempted to deny and downplay those fears.

Audience turnout data paints an even starker picture. Media analysis shows widespread empty seats, while broadcast outlets like Fox News have repeatedly shifted to breaking news alerts involving Trump a sign of ongoing volatility around his public appearances. At the same time, reports suggest Fox News viewers themselves are beginning to turn on Trump amid mounting frustration.

The broader political backdrop has not helped. Trump has continued to dominate headlines with threats of sweeping tariffs and stark warnings that critics say dangerously escalate global tensions. Diplomatic relations have also drawn scrutiny following reports that he publicly embarrassed UK leader Keir Starmer during China-related discussions.

Within this context, Melania has failed to connect with general audiences. Early reactions describe the film as emotionally distant, with critics calling it painfully stiff and uncomfortable to watch. Some viewers who attended early screenings said the experience felt awkward, as detailed by those who went to see the Melania Trump film firsthand.

Online reaction has been relentless. Social media users quickly mocked the empty theaters, canceled screenings, and the contrast between the film’s massive budget and its weak turnout. Many framed the documentary as yet another example of how Trump-linked media projects struggle to resonate beyond a shrinking political base.

In the end, the disappointing performance of Melania appears to reflect a broader reality: no amount of marketing can manufacture cultural relevance. As audience fatigue with Trump-era content deepens, even high-profile projects are finding it harder to attract attention let alone ticket buyers.