Amazon MGM Studios reportedly purchased the rights for $40 million, the highest price ever paid for a documentary. The film is scheduled for a global theatrical release on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Priya Rahman : On Saturday, January 24, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump hosted a private, black-tie screening at the White House for her new documentary titled “Melania”. The event featured an orchestra playing the film’s original score and custom commemorative popcorn tubs. The documentary chronicles the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. It highlights her role as a close advisor, her fashion choices, and her diplomatic engagements.
The film was produced by Marc Beckman and directed by Brett Ratner. Amazon MGM Studios reportedly purchased the rights for $40 million, the highest price ever paid for a documentary. The film is scheduled for a global theatrical release on Friday, January 30, 2026.
The movie, “Melania,” is set for a global release on Jan 30. Saturday’s showing will be the first time the president, her family and close friends see the film in full, said Marc Beckman, the first lady’s outside adviser and agent.
The film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer opens on Inauguration Day in January 2025, showing her donning a navy wide-brimmed hat for the ceremony at the US Capitol. It also depicts her role as an adviser to the president, including a moment in which she encourages him to emphasize “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.
Beckman, who produced the film, oversaw the $40 million movie deal with Amazon’s MGM Studios, plus a follow-up documentary series set for release later this year focusing on some of Melania Trump’s priorities, including children in foster care.”This is not a political film at all,” Beckman said in an interview, adding that the first lady spearheaded the film’s creative direction.
The movie highlights her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and the operations surrounding her Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers also will see moments that capture the president’s sense of humor.
Ahead of the public theatrical release of the film next week, the president and first lady will attend a premiere on Thursday at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors.The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote the film, Beckman added.
