First Lady Melania Trump welcomed Israeli-American hostage Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva Siegel, to the White House on Wednesday, marking an emotional reunion following their release from captivity by Hamas. During the meeting, she highlighted the couple’s harrowing experience and recalled a prior meeting she had with Aviva weeks before President Trump began his second term.
While discussing the Siegels’ ordeal, the first lady took a moment to reference her recently released documentary, MELANIA. “It was an emotional meeting,” she said. “It was captured on camera and is available to see in my new film, Melania. It was very emotional.”
When reporters questioned whether mentioning the film at an official White House event was appropriate, Melania responded sharply, denying that she was promoting it. “This is not a promotion,” she said. “We are here celebrating the release of hostages, the release of Aviva and Keith.” You can read more about reactions to her documentary and its reception here and here.
During the event, Keith Siegel congratulated the first lady on the film’s release, but social media users criticized her for bringing attention to a personal project during a serious occasion. One commenter said, “Using an event about freed hostages to promote a personal film is a serious lapse in judgment.” Another added, “Utterly shameless,” while others criticized both Melania and President Trump. More on public reactions and criticism of the Trump family can be found here and here.
Melania Documentary Faces Box Office Struggles
The documentary, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, reportedly cost around $40 million in licensing with an additional $35 million for promotion. Marketed as a “behind-the-scenes look” at the first lady’s life, the film drew attention for its high-profile private screening, attended by friends, family, and VIPs such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, and Mike Tyson. Donald and Melania’s son, Barron, also attended. Details on the screening and celebrity reactions are covered here and here.
Despite the glitzy premiere, the film has struggled commercially. Early projections suggest it will earn only single-digit millions domestically. In New York and Palm Beach, theaters reported very low attendance, even in areas considered strong Trump-supporting regions. As of early February, the documentary had grossed just $7 million, well below the $75 million it reportedly cost to produce. More insights on ticket sales and empty theaters can be read here.
The Siegels as Advocates for Israel
Keith Siegel was released in early 2025 after nearly 15 months in captivity, as part of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. His wife, Aviva, had been freed after two months along with other women and children. The couple has since become outspoken advocates for Israel, frequently sharing their experiences in Gaza.
Keith credited President Trump and other governments for facilitating their release. “I am alive because of President Trump's efforts and the cooperation of mediating countries,” he told CBS News. He also emphasized the need for further agreements to secure the release of additional hostages. For more on Trump’s role in hostage negotiations, see here and here.
The White House event coincided with the Trump administration’s recent establishment of a “Board of Peace” tasked with overseeing Gaza’s post-war reconstruction. Additional context about related Trump administration policies can be read here.
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