Melania Trump unveils new documentary at private White House screening
About 70 guests, including Mike Tyson and Jordan's Queen Rania, got a first look at Brett Ratner's "Melania" documentary at an invitation-only preview.
WASHINGTON − First lady Melania Trump hosted a private White House screening on Saturday, Jan. 24, of a new documentary focused on her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the White House said.
"Melania" is set for a global release on Jan. 30. The showing was the first time the president, her family and close friends saw the film in full, said Marc Beckman, the first lady’s outside adviser and agent.
The film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer opens on Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2025, showing her donning a navy wide-brimmed hat for the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. It also depicts her role as an adviser to the president, including a moment in which she encourages him to emphasize “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.
The East Room screening followed the president's tariff threat to Canada, defense of federal agents after a fatal shooting during Minnesota protests, and preparation for a winter storm barreling through the U.S.
About 70 people across the cultural spectrum attended, including former professional boxer Mike Tyson and Jordan's Queen Rania, who is seen in the film's trailer, a person familiar with the event said.
Other attendees included Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins and documentary director Brett Ratner, as well as General Electric CEO Larry Culp.
Beckman, who produced the film, oversaw the $40 million movie deal with Amazon MGM Studios, plus a follow-up documentary series set for release later this year focusing on some of Melania Trump's priorities, including children in foster care.
"This is not a political film at all," Beckman said in an interview this week, adding that the first lady spearheaded the film's creative direction.
The movie highlights her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and the operations surrounding her Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers also will see moments that capture the president's sense of humor.
Ahead of the theatrical release of the film, the president and first lady will attend a premiere on Jan. 29, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors.
The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 28 to promote the film.