Melania Trump’s documentary premieres at the Kennedy Center ahead of global release
The Associated Press22 hrs
'Melania' Film Premieres at Trump Kennedy Center
Is "Melania" a corrupt corporate flop or a cultural shift in conservative storytelling?
Above: Melania Trump attends the world premiere of "Melania" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29, 2026. Image credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Amazon's $75 million gamble on "Melania" reeks of corporate corruption and political favor-trading. Empty theaters and desperate Craigslist ads offering $50 to fill seats prove nobody wants this vanity project, yet Jeff Bezos keeps throwing money at Trump's family while slashing 16,000 jobs and gutting the Washington Post. The film's refusal to provide advance screeners and cancelled Thursday screenings show Amazon knows it produced an unwatchable embarrassment. This isn't filmmaking — it's an outright bribe disguised as cinema.
Pro-Trump narrative
"Melania" marks the moment the First Lady begins defining a legacy of her own, while reflecting a broader cultural shift under President Trump, where conservative stories finally get Hollywood-level production values and permanent streaming platforms. The documentary’s $40 million acquisition and nationwide theatrical release signal that right-leaning content now commands serious investment and distribution. Box office numbers miss the point entirely — streaming longevity and cultural impact matter more than opening weekend receipts.
Establishment split
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0