Amazon has unveiled the first official trailer for its highly anticipated, and controversial, documentary film focusing on former First Lady Melania Trump. The project, which carries a reported $40 million price tag for the rights, promises an intimate look behind the scenes of American power.
Unprecedented Access to a Political Transition
The feature-length film, titled simply Melania, is set to follow its subject during the critical 20-day period leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration. Producers boast of "unprecedented access," with the documentary slated to include exclusive footage from critical meetings, private conversations, and environments never before seen by the public.
In a statement first shared with Fox News, Melania Trump framed the project as a historic record. "The 20 days of my life, preceding the US presidential inauguration, constitutes a rare and defining moment – one that warrants meticulous care, integrity, and uncompromising craftsmanship," she said. She expressed pride in sharing "this very specific moment" of intense transition and planning with a global audience.
Controversial Director and High-Profile Connections
The documentary marks a significant comeback for its director, Brett Ratner, whose involvement has sparked considerable controversy. In 2017, Ratner was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, including actors Natasha Henstridge and Olivia Munn, in a Los Angeles Times exposé. Ratner, who denied the allegations, moved to Israel in 2023 and publicly identified as a "proud Zionist." He is known to be a close friend of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The trailer itself features cameos from Donald Trump, with Melania assisting him on camera. He declares, "My proudest legacy will be that of peacemaker," a sentiment she echoes by adding, "peacemaker and unifier." The film's tagline invites audiences to "Witness history in the making."
Broader Media Strategy and Backing
This cinematic release is part of a broader media deal. Alongside the documentary, Amazon will release a three-part docuseries tracking Melania Trump's life between New York, Washington DC, and Palm Beach. The documentary is scheduled for a theatrical release on 30 January.
The project's connections extend deep into media and political circles. The film will be distributed by Paramount, a studio recently purchased by Skydance, which is backed by Larry Ellison, a noted friend of the former president. Furthermore, it has been reported that Donald Trump personally intervened to help secure financing for Ratner's next Rush Hour franchise film.
Conceived by the former First Lady in November 2024, the documentary represents a carefully curated entry into the arena of political legacy media, ensuring the Trump narrative continues to captivate and divide audiences worldwide.
