The first lady celebrated the world premiere of “Melania” and told USA TODAY that she was “proud to be an American citizen.”
First Lady Melania Trump talks about the American experience
First Lady Melania Trump shared her immigrant story and American pride while rocking a Dolce & Gabbana look at the Melania premiere.
WASHINGTON, DC — Madonna. Cher. Adele. Zendaya. Now you can add the name Melania to the list of people who only need to be known by one name.
First Lady Melania Trump celebrated the world premiere of her self-titled documentary, “Melania,” on January 29 at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center. The hour-and-a-half-long film chronicles the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration as president in 2025 through the first lady’s eyes, focusing on her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements, and behind-the-scenes work during the Trump administration.
“They’re going to see what my life is like every day,” the first lady said of the movie’s audience.
Absent all the ball gowns, tuxedos, glitz and pomp that Americans are accustomed to seeing at Hollywood awards shows, the red carpet in Washington, D.C., was noticeably packed with Trump administration officials, Republican politicians and several celebrities, including rapper Niki Minaj.
The couple walked on a black carpet against a white background with the first lady’s name emblazoned prominently behind them, praising the first lady as “calm” and “dignified.” Above the area, flags representing countries with whom the United States has diplomatic relations hung from the rafters of the grand entrance to the Trump Kennedy Center.
The list of attendees included Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy. Ministers arrived at the Premier shortly after meeting with the president as a potential government shutdown looms.
Most wore toned-down cocktail dresses, black dresses for the women and simple suits for the men, but it was Kennedy’s super-slim tie with a tiny red crab that caught everyone’s attention. Regarding his attire, President Kennedy said he paid someone to “skinny” his necktie.
President Kennedy said he had “nothing but admiration” for the first lady, noting that she is one of the president’s leading supporters of the president’s efforts to improve childhood health. “She is a multi-dimensional person and not the caricature we have been given.”
Melania Trump: “I’m an immigrant”
The politician-studded celebration comes amid a growing national backlash against the Trump administration’s immigration practices after two Americans were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks.
During the premiere, Melania Trump reflected on her past when asked how her life reflects the lives of the Americans she serves.
“I’m an immigrant, I’m from another country,” the first lady told USA TODAY. “I’m very proud to be an American citizen.”
The first lady immigrated to the United States from Slovenia in 1996 to work as a model. Melania obtained citizenship in 2006. Before the premiere, Melania Trump called for “unity” in light of her husband’s protests against immigration policies and said, “I stand against violence.”
Amazon’s MGM Studios paid $40 million for the first lady’s documentary and is spending another $35 million on marketing. Melania Trump, 55, also launched her own production company, Muse Films, ahead of the film’s release.
Amid questions about immigration and foreign policy, the president praised his wife on the carpet, saying his legacy is “intertwined” with hers.
As for Melania Trump, he said, “I’m not ready to talk about her legacy.”
“It’s still early,” she answered.
