Screengrab from the trailer of the documentary Melania: Twenty Days to History

Melania Trump’s Record-Breaking Documentary Hits Theaters Amidst Critical Backlash and Political Controversy

While professional critics have generally given the film negative reviews, citing a lack of depth regarding policy or personal perspective on the 2024 election, audience reception appears divided along political lines.

RMN Stars Documentary Desk
New Delhi | January 31, 2026

Melania Trump has made a high-profile return to the spotlight with the release of her self-produced documentary, Melania: Twenty Days to History. The film, which debuted in theaters on January 30, 2026, offers what is described as “unprecedented access” to the First Lady’s life during the three weeks leading up to her husband’s second inauguration in January 2025.

A Historic Deal with Amazon

The documentary has set a new benchmark in the film industry, with Amazon MGM Studios acquiring the rights for $40 million, reportedly the largest deal for a documentary in history. In addition to the acquisition price, Amazon has reportedly invested an additional $35 million in marketing for the project. Following its theatrical run, the film is set to stream on Amazon, with a follow-up docuseries expected in mid-2026.

However, the massive financial backing has drawn scrutiny. Critics and former industry veterans have questioned if the deal represents an attempt by business leaders to “curry favor” with the White House.

Inside the “Enigmatic” First Lady’s World

Directed by Brett Ratner, the film follows Melania Trump as she orchestrates inauguration plans and manages the family’s move from Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago back to Washington, D.C.. The First Lady states her goal is to show the American people her “journey from private citizen to first lady”.

The film highlights several personal aspects of her life, including:

Personal Grief: Trump is most candid regarding the death of her mother, Amalija Knavs, in early 2024, describing the loss as overwhelming.
Inner Circle: The documentary features interactions with her long-time stylist Hervé Pierre and a warm video call with France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron.
Aesthetic Focus: Much of the film captures the First Lady reviewing fabric samples, dinnerware, and the “language of details” regarding her inauguration wardrobe.

Notably, the wider Trump family is largely absent from the footage, with son Barron Trump appearing to avoid the camera during the family’s entry into the White House.

Release Marred by Controversy

Despite the “glossy” production, the film’s release has been met with significant friction. Critics have dismissed the timing as “insensitive,” as the premiere coincided with swelling mass protests over fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. In Los Angeles, advertisements for the film were reportedly vandalized, and the project faced “review bombing” on websites before it was even released.

Political commentators have also highlighted that the film serves as the directorial return for Brett Ratner, who had not directed a project since facing sexual misconduct allegations in 2017—claims he has consistently denied.

Mixed Reception

While professional critics have generally given the film negative reviews, citing a lack of depth regarding policy or personal perspective on the 2024 election, audience reception appears divided along political lines. At a screening outside Washington D.C., audiences in American flag attire reportedly cheered and clapped throughout the film.

In the documentary’s closing moments, Melania Trump characterizes her role not through politics, but as an exercise in personal growth, stating, “the real nobility is becoming stronger than the person I was yesterday”.