A showing of the documentary Melania at the Trump Kennedy Center sparked controversy when several news organizations were denied access. Reports indicate that journalists from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Vanity Fair were not given tickets to the private event, with attendance limited to a select few media representatives.
The new film, from Amazon MGM Studios, will be released on January 30th. The studio invested around $40 million to obtain the rights and an additional $35 million on marketing. However, initial predictions estimate the movie will only earn between $3 and $5 million during its opening weekend. Photos of empty cinemas have appeared online, but producer Marc Beckman insists that actual early numbers are looking good.
I was really surprised to hear that only Dan Ball, the anchor from One America News, and his producer, Peyton Drew, got access past the red carpet and into the actual screening. Peyton even made a funny comment about feeling a little too fancy for the occasion, joking that at least they were in there as attendees!
The event drew a number of political figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pete Hegseth, and Mike Johnson. Director Brett Ratner and producer Marc Beckman were also in attendance. Things reportedly became uncomfortable when host Bill Ball urged attendees to steer clear of labeling news as “fake” and, while speaking with former advisor Alina Habba, used a derogatory term to refer to other reporters.
Even with limited access to reporters, President Trump paused to respond to their questions. When asked about the film’s high cost, he stated he wasn’t part of the budgeting process, but called the documentary significant and noteworthy.
This project is Ratner’s first significant directing job since he was accused of misconduct in 2017. There are reports that some crew members requested their names be removed from the credits due to their political beliefs. Ratner discussed the situation with Variety, stating he sympathizes with anyone who felt uncomfortable having their name associated with the film but needed to work to support their family, and doesn’t fault them for that.
People at the event believe the new documentary has the potential to change public perception of the First Lady. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. specifically highlighted her work on important issues like children’s health and food policies, explaining that she’s often been presented as simpler than she actually is.
MELANIA, the film, exclusively in theaters worldwide on January 30th, 2026.
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) December 17, 2025
The movie features clips from the 2025 campaign trail and interviews recorded at Mar-a-Lago. It will have a limited release in theaters before becoming available to stream on Prime Video in late February.
The movie’s debut came after a week of significant publicity, including a formal dinner at the White House with many important guests. Since the inauguration, Melania Trump has generally maintained a low profile, dedicating her time to her “Be Best” initiative and renovations at the Kennedy Center. She is reportedly working on a photography book called Visions, which is expected to be published in 2026.
As a huge movie fan, I’m already hearing a lot of buzz about this new film, and not just about the story itself. The limited press screenings are creating some real friction, especially given the current political climate. It feels like how audiences react will be a true test – will people be interested in a nuanced portrayal of the First Lady, or will existing political divides keep them away? It’s a fascinating situation to watch unfold.
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2026-01-30 18:14