First Lady Melania Trump promotes movie on New York Stock Exchange
First lady Melania Trump promoted her new movie at the New York Stock Exchange.
On Wednesday, January 28, First Lady Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange ahead of the documentary’s release.
The film “Melania” chronicles her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Before the opening bell rang, the first lady, wearing a long black coat and leather corset, likened the stories told in movies to the forces of culture.
“Movies bring families and friends together to sit side by side and share a collective moment,” President Melania Trump said. “In doing so, they will not only see my film, but participate in a great American tradition and become part of our country’s history.”
The ringing of the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell, which begins trading for the day, has long been used as a platform for companies and celebrities alike to promote themselves during the often highly publicized event.
Days earlier, Melania Trump hosted a private screening of the film at the White House, marking the first time her husband had seen the film in its entirety. He then took to social media to promote himself.
“The movie ‘Melania’ is a must-see,” President Trump said in a Jan. 26 post on the X show, adding, “Get your tickets today. They’re selling out fast!”
The film is scheduled for worldwide release in select theaters on Friday, January 30th.
See photos of Melania Trump ringing the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange
What is the “Melania” documentary?
According to Amazon MGM Studios, Melania Trump’s documentary of the same name “offers an unprecedented look at the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration through the first lady’s own eyes.”
The film will showcase Melania Trump’s “step into the world” as she orchestrated her inauguration plans and navigated the White House transition, the studio said.
It also includes “exclusive footage of important meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments.”
The documentary’s trailer opens with a shot of Melania Trump wearing a navy wide-brimmed hat at the presidential inauguration in January 2025, telling the camera, “Here we go again.”
It also shows her role as an advisor to the president, including encouraging him to emphasize “peacemakers and unifiers” in his inaugural address.
“Melania” is the first lady’s first project with her new production company, Muse Films. The film is directed by Brett Ratner, his first major project since he was accused of sexual harassment and assault in 2017.
Watch the trailer for the ‘Melania’ documentary
President Melania Trump releases documentary at White House screening
“Melania” will officially premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center (formerly known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) on Thursday, Jan. 29, director Richard Grenell said in a Jan. 8 post on X.
On Saturday, January 24, President Melania Trump hosted a private screening of the documentary at the White House, marking the first time the president, his family and close friends had seen the film in its entirety, Reuters reported.
What has Melania done as first lady? She was once a model from Slovenia
Melania Trump Inaugural Documentary Directed by Brett Ratner Release Date: January 30, 2026. How the model met Donald before heading to work as first lady.
According to Reuters, about 70 people attended the screening, including former professional boxer Mike Tyson, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
The screening came on the same day that federal agents shot and killed Alex Preti during protests in Minnesota, and as much of the country braced for a historic winter storm.
Contributor: Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY. Reuters
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
