With the 2026 midterm elections looming, critics in major media outlets have slammed a new documentary about First Lady Melania Trump. Still, it became the highest-grossing non-musical film in over a decade.
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.
Critics have described Melania, Hollywood pariah Brett Ratner’s lavish and controversial documentary, as “an elaborate piece of designer taxidermy, horribly overpriced and icy.”
The Atlantic reported that “Mr. Ratner seems desperate to find action, but nothing” as he attempts to document first lady Melania Trump’s life in the 20 days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration in January 2025. A film critic for Variety claimed that “Melania,” which was released in theaters on January 30, was “state-sanctioned propaganda from communist China in the 1960s.”
Still, the film still grossed $7 million in its opening weekend, according to estimates as of Sunday, February 1st.
The film’s blockbuster success may be indicative of the gap that continues to exist between Hollywood and President Donald Trump’s grasp of the MAGA fan base.
The film’s first weekend success is reminiscent of President Trump’s two election victories in 2016 and 2024, and shows that Family can make an impact at both the voting booth and the box office.
‘First Lady Melania Trump’ promises ‘unprecedented access’ to first lady’s private world
Melania, produced by the first lady, marked a comeback of sorts for Ratner, who fell on hard times in 2017 after being accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, including A-list actress Olivia Munn.
According to the official description, Melania is an open window to “see the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration through the eyes of the first lady-elect herself,” promising moviegoers “unprecedented access.”
President Trump’s own second term was a rebirth of sorts for his family. President Trump left office in 2021 following the events of January 6, when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and several high-profile staffers left the former president’s orbit. The Trumps took refuge at the family’s sprawling resort, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida, where they lived a private life.
Surrounded by a host of new friends and longtime supporters, Trump ran for president again, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2024. The first lady stayed on the sidelines for much of the campaign, choosing to focus on her only son, 19-year-old Barron.
On Inauguration Day the following February, she regained the national imagination. Trump wore a matching dark navy blue coat and skirt and a dramatic matching brimmed hat that covered his eyes. She paired her ensemble with matching heels and gloves.
‘Melania’ surprises movie industry with box office results
Over the past year, she has been selective about her appearances, defying tradition for political spouses. Mr. Trump is part of a small but powerful group of American political spouses who are increasingly taking on the role.
New York City’s First Lady Rama Duwaj, U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance and California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom also have unique approaches to media appearances and public outings.
But the ultra-private first lady has appeared with her husband at Pope Francis’ funeral, Fourth of July celebrations, the White House Easter Egg Roll, and other high-profile events of national significance. “Melania” is the most expensive documentary in history, bought by billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Amazon MGM Studios for $40 million and reportedly spent $35 million on marketing.
She also started her own production company, Muse Films, prior to the film’s theatrical release. The film will be available for streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video service later this year.
On Thursday, she walked the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center for the film’s DC premiere alongside President Trump, who wore a black Dolce & Gabbana buttoned skirt suit and a thin companion belt, while the president wore a standard navy blue suit and burgundy tie.
Celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Dr. Phil, Daphne Oz and former New York Mayor Eric Adams attended the gala. And on Friday, the movie was released in theaters. The release surpassed early expectations and finished in third place over the weekend ($7 million), behind two horror films: survival comedy/thriller Send Help ($20 million) and indie horror film Iron Lung ($17.9 million).
On Rotten Tomatoes, industry insiders gave Melania a dismal Tomatometer score of 11%. However, it maintained a 99% approval rating using the website’s Popcornmeter, and the film received an “A” in the audience-based CinemaScore measurement.
The film performed best in Trump’s home states of Florida and Texas. Despite being a woman shrouded in mystery of her own, Trump always seems to find a way to surprise both her fans and, yes, her critics.
(This article has been updated with new information.)
Contributors: Anthony Robledo, Brian Truitt, Edward Segarra
