What to know about first lady Melania Trump as she promotes her movie

• A new documentary titled "Melania" is set for a global theatrical release on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.
• Though she has kept a low profile, the first lady has been involved in various initiatives and events during the second term.

It's first lady Melania Trump's big week. Her own documentary "Melania" is playing in theaters globally on Friday, Jan. 30.

Over the weekend, family and close friends got an advanced private viewing at the White House. On Jan. 28, she will ring the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange. On Jan. 29, the movie will premiere at the newly dubbed Trump-Kennedy Center.

"Melania" follows the lead-up to her husband's second inauguration and is the first project of her new production company, "Muse Films." It was directed by Brett Ratner, his first major project since being accused of sexual harassment and assault in 2017.

"MELANIA, the Movie, is a MUST WATCH," President Donald Trump wrote in a Jan. 26 post on X. "Get your tickets today – Selling out, FAST!"

Here is what to know about the first lady:

What has Melania Trump done as first lady?

A stacked week of events is rare for the first lady, as she has kept a fairly low profile in the president's second term.

But early on, she played a key role in advocating the Take it Down Act, which the president signed into law on May 19. The law criminalizes nonconsensual, explicit images created by artificial intelligence, often known as deepfakes.

Through the spring, she spoke at the International Women of Courage Awards, attended Pope Francis' funeral (on her 55th birthday), helped host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, and hosted a celebration of military mothers.

She also attended the Army's 250th anniversary parade in D.C., which occurred on Trump's 79th birthday.

Melania Trump visited a D.C.-area children's hospital ahead of the Fourth of July, and appeared with the president as he signed the "Big Beautiful Bill" on the holiday. The following week, she visited the flood-ravaged areas of Texas. Later, she attended the FIFA Club World Cup final, where her husband went viral for staying on stage for the winning team's celebration.

After a nearly two-month summer hiatus from public life, she attended an AI event and business dinner on Sept. 4. Since then, she has appeared with Trump at a 9/11 commemoration event, his state visit to the UK, and at Halloween at the White House. She also spoke at the UN General Assembly, where she announced the launch of "Fostering the Future Together," and announced on Oct. 10, Vladimir Putin's government had agreed to return Ukrainian children who had turned 18 since being taken as minors.

She also did a number of holiday events at the White House, like receiving the Christmas tree, selecting the Christmas decorations and participating in a Toys for Tots event.

Watch the 'Melania' movie trailer

Melania and Donald Trump's relationship timeline:

The first lady posted an excerpt from her memoir "Melania" on social media in July, telling the story of how she met her now husband.

She said she met Donald Trump at the Kit Kat Klub on a Saturday night in September 1998 while at a party with her friend.

“'Hi, I’m Donald Trump,' the man said when he reached my table. 'Nice to meet you.' I recognized the name, and I knew he was a businessman or celebrity, but not much else. He put his hand out to shake mine," she wrote in her book. "His eyes filled with curiosity and interest, and, seizing the opportunity, he took the seat next to mine and started a conversation."

She also wrote that he was accompanied by a beautiful date, so she didn't think much of it at the time, but she was "drawn to his magnetic energy."

They were married in 2005 and had one child together, Barron Trump, the following year.

Is Melania Trump an American citizen?

Yes, she is the only first lady to be a naturalized citizen.

What nationality is Melania Trump?

Trump was born in Slovenia.

How old are Melania Trump and Donald Trump?

Melania Trump is 55 years old, and Donald Trump is 79 years old.

Contributing: Zac Anderson, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her onX (Twitter),Bluesky andTikTok.