During a recent appearance at Fort Bragg, Donald Trump took a moment away from honoring special forces members to promote his wife Melania Trump’s new documentary, Melania. After being introduced by the First Lady, he enthusiastically described the film as a major success, even though publicly available box office figures show a far more modest performance.
“Our country is truly blessed to have such a phenomenal first lady. And now she's a movie star,” Trump said, adding that women were seeing the film multiple times and bringing their husbands along.
The documentary, reportedly backed by a $75 million Amazon budget and directed by Brett Ratner, debuted on January 30 and earned about $7 million at the box office. It centers on the 2025 presidential inauguration and Melania Trump’s return to public life. Despite the promotional push, the film received largely negative reviews and was widely noted for low theater attendance.
Adding to the controversy, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) says it received complaints from active-duty service members across multiple U.S. military installations. According to MRFF founder Mikey Weinstein, some troops claimed they were pressured by superiors to purchase tickets to the film’s premiere. In interviews, Weinstein stated that several service members felt uncomfortable declining because of the strict hierarchy within the military chain of command.
Independent journalist Jonathan Larsen also reported reviewing a letter from a service member who said attendance was driven more by fear of potential consequences than genuine interest.
Meanwhile, distribution issues reportedly affected the film’s rollout, with some theaters saying they did not receive copies in time for opening day.
The situation raises broader questions about the intersection of politics, media promotion, and the military. Service members operate within a rigid command structure, and even informal suggestions from superiors can carry significant weight. When political figures promote personal projects in that environment, it naturally invites scrutiny.
For many observers, this episode reflects a recurring theme: the blending of political power, personal branding, and public institutions. Whether supporters see it as harmless promotion or critics view it as inappropriate influence, the debate highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and the use of public platforms for private benefit.
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