Inside the New Melania Trump Documentary: Style, Legacy, and Life in the Spotlight
The documentary Melania opened in theaters on Friday, a day after its premiere at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center. It follows First Lady Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025.
Directed by Brett Ratner and executive produced by Melania herself, the 104-minute film came with a hefty price tag: Amazon reportedly paid $40 million for the rights and another $35 million for marketing, making it one of the most expensive documentaries ever produced (Melania Documentary Bombs).
Early reports suggest a quiet box-office reception. Newsweek attended a morning screening in New York City with only three other people present. Sparse audiences and soft ticket sales have been noted nationwide, with WIRED reporting just two sold-out screenings in the U.S. one in Florida and one in Missouri.
A Spotlight on Style
A large portion of the documentary focuses on Melania’s iconic fashion sense. The opening scenes linger on her high heels and tailored outfits, giving viewers a close look at her polished, elegant style. Inside Trump Tower, she is shown collaborating with designer Herve Pierre to perfect her inaugural outfit. Drawing on her modeling experience, she provides hands-on feedback, ensuring every line and fit is precise.
Pierre comments on their working relationship, saying, “It’s fantastic because we speak the same language… It’s a completely different kind of vocabulary.” Throughout the film, Melania appears in sharp suits and high heels, while also contributing to broader design elements, including the aesthetics of the candlelight dinner before the inauguration and White House décor after the Bidens’ departure.
“My education in architecture provides me with a serious design approach,” she says in the film. “For me, it’s important that timeless elegance shines through every element of the inauguration’s décor, style, and design.”
Honoring Her Mother’s Legacy
The documentary also touches on Melania’s personal life and her deep connection with her late mother, Amalija Knavs. She shares the impact of her mother’s legacy while attending former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral on January 9, 2025 the anniversary of her mother’s passing.
“January 9 is the day my mother passed away one year ago,” Melania reflects. “It was one of those days that you know will come, but you can never truly prepare for. The only thing we can do is cherish the moments we have with our family and loved ones while they’re still with us.”
Later, she pays tribute at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, lighting a candle in memory of her mother. She credits Amalija, who worked in fashion, with nurturing her own appreciation for design. “My beloved mother was the richest thread in my life, weaving warmth, wisdom, and grace into every moment we shared,” she says.
Continuing the Be Best Initiative
Melania also highlights her signature “Be Best” campaign, launched during her husband’s first term to support children’s well-being. The film shows her discussing global collaborations with other world leaders, including France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron.
“I will continue ‘Be Best,’ and I will expand,” Melania says. “With world leaders, if we group together, I feel like we have a voice.” She also emphasizes her Fostering the Future initiative, which works to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for children in foster care.
Safety and Security Concerns
The documentary addresses Melania’s concerns about personal safety following an assassination attempt on President Trump months earlier. She expresses apprehension about attending the inaugural parade, saying, “Being in a more secure and closed space brought a certain peace of mind.” Her son Barron’s safety is also a priority, with Melania respecting his decision to remain in the car during public events.
A Glimpse Inside Trump Tower
Viewers are given a peek inside the Trump Tower penthouse in New York City a lavish, three-floor apartment decorated in Versailles style, featuring gold accents, marble, and mirrored surfaces. The opulent space sets the tone for the documentary’s glimpse into the First Lady’s life behind the public persona.
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