About 70 guests, including Mike Tyson and Jordan’s Queen Rania, watched Brett Ratner’s documentary “Melania” for the first time at an invitation-only preview.
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WASHINGTON – On Saturday, January 24, First Lady Melania Trump hosted a private screening at the White House of a new documentary focused on her life during the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the White House announced.
“Melania” is scheduled to be released worldwide on January 30th. Mark Beckman, the first lady’s outside advisor and agent, said the screening was the first time the president, his family and close friends had seen the film in its entirety.
The film provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer begins on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, and shows her wearing a navy wide-brimmed hat during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. It also depicts her role as an advisor to the president, including encouraging him to emphasize his role as a “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.
The East Room screening comes after the president’s threat to impose tariffs on Canada, the defense of federal workers after a fatal shooting during a Minnesota protest, and preparations for a winter storm to hit the United States.
About 70 people from across the cultural spectrum attended, including former professional boxer Mike Tyson and Queen Rania of Jordan, who appears in the film’s trailer, according to people familiar with the event.
Other attendees included Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon MGM studio head Mike Hopkins, documentary director Brett Ratner, and General Electric CEO Larry Culp.
Beckman, who produced the film, has directed a follow-up documentary series scheduled for release later this year that will focus on some of Melania Trump’s priorities, including children in foster care, as well as her $40 million film deal with Amazon MGM Studios.
“This is not a political movie at all,” Beckman said in an interview this week, adding that the first lady led the film’s creative direction.
The film focuses on her fashion choices, diplomatic endeavors, and maneuvers surrounding Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers will also see moments that capture the president’s sense of humor.
Prior to the film’s theatrical release, the president and his wife are scheduled to attend a premiere on January 29 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (renamed the Trump Kennedy Center by a board of directors appointed by President Trump).
The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on January 28 to promote the film.
