Melania Trump Hosts Black-Tie Sneak Preview of Her Amazon Film Ahead of Premiere

The velvet ropes are out, and the lights are dimmed as Melania Trump attempts to reclaim the cinematic narrative of her time in Washington. While the political world remains fixated on the Minneapolis immigration crackdown, the First Lady turned her attention to the silver screen this weekend, hosting an exclusive audience for her latest venture.

Critics have warned that her documentary, Melania, may flop following a reported £25.7 million ($35 million) marketing blitz, yet its loyal base could make it a surprise box-office hit. While sceptics point to a 'scramble' to save the film, others believe the MAGA supporters' proven purchasing power makes it a wild card for financial success.

Melania Screening in the White House

Melania Trump hosted a lavish, black-tie sneak preview of her upcoming documentary, Melania, in the East Room of the White House on Saturday night. The event served as a high-stakes introduction for the Amazon-backed project, drawing a crowd of Republican heavyweights and media personalities.

She invited several associates as VIPs to the black-tie preview, including former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, socialite and Fiat heiress Azzi Agnelli, self-help guru and author Tony Robbins, director Brett Ratner, Queen Rania of Jordan, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan, Apple CEO Tim Cook, New York Stock Exchange CEO Lynn Martin, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and photographer Ellen von Unwerth. The German photographer also shot the film's movie poster. Billionaire Steve Wynn, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Erika Kirk, and several prominent donors loyal to the Trump circle were also invited to the event, Page Six reported.

Financial Stakes and Predicted Box Office Performance

Despite the glamour of the preview, the project faces significant scrutiny regarding its commercial viability. Reports indicate that approximately £25.7 million ($35 million) has been spent on a wild marketing campaign, including massive digital billboards and bus advertisements across the country.

RadarOnline has reported that the White House is 'scrambling' to save the film, amidst internal predictions that it could potentially flop. Critics point to the polarised political climate as a primary hurdle for a documentary centred on such a divisive figure. However, some analysts believe the film could defy expectations.

Meanwhile, Newsweek suggests there is a distinct possibility of a 'surprise box office success', noting that the MAGA base has historically shown immense financial loyalty to Trump-branded media and literature.

What to Know About the Melania Movie

The Melania film documents the First Lady's role from her husband, Donald Trump's, 2025 presidential campaign through inauguration day. Ratner, who directed the documentary, reportedly stayed at Mar-a-Lago for months to shoot the film.

The official trailer features Melania calling Trump to congratulate him after winning the most recent national election. 'Hi, Mr President, congratulations,' she told him. When Trump asked if she watched it, Melania replied, 'I did not. Yeah, I will see it on the news.'

Marc Beckman, a producer on the film and Melania's exclusive senior adviser, told Page Six that she was involved in the project's marketing, including its TV commercials, billboards, and global campaigns. The First Lady reportedly wanted the movie to 'be cinematic in nature'. 'It will only be released in movie theatres for a "rich, highly-stylised cinematic experience",' Beckman added. He also teased that moviegoers will see a side of the FLOTUS they have never seen before.

'Nobody's ever had access to the First Lady like this... [In the film] for the first time, she brings people into never-before-seen meetings and locations, it's unprecedented,' Beckman explained. The film aims to counter the narratives presented in various unauthorised biographies and news reports. It focuses heavily on Melania's role as a mother and her efforts to renovate the White House Rose Garden, which she considers a significant part of her legacy.

The film is funded by Amazon and will have a premiere for VIPs and dignitaries at the Kennedy Center on Thursday, 29 January. It will hit theatres on Friday, 30 January.