‘MELANIA’ soars to box office success, smashing critics’ expectations
First Lady Melania Trump’s documentary film has achieved the highest box office haul in over ten years, proving that American audiences love Mrs. Trump
by Summer Lane | February 2, 2026
The First Lady’s anticipated documentary film, MELANIA, has soared to box office success upon its opening weekend, raking in over $7 million – far exceeding expectations of many critics.
According to Variety, the film was on track to earn over $8.1 million by Sunday night, surpassing early predictions of just $3 to $5 million for the weekend. This represents the best opening weekend for a documentary in ten years.
In January, Mrs. Trump hosted two special screenings of the film – which she was heavily involved in producing – at the White House and again at the Trump Kennedy Center.
The film centers on the 20 days of preparation for her return to the White House alongside her husband, President Donald Trump, as he was inaugurated in January 2025 for a historic non-consecutive second term.
“Last night I saw, ‘MELANIA,’ for the second time,” President Trump wrote on social media following its premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center. “The audience loved it, and so do I. Check it out – A MUST SEE!”
“Congratulations to the @FLOTUS!” wrote Tesla and SpaceX visionary Elon Musk, upon news of the film’s success.
MELANIA was directed by Brad Ratner, known for his work on popular films like the Rush Hour series, The Family Man, Red Dragon, and X-Men: The Last Stand.
Ratner will also reportedly direct a hotly anticipated upcoming Rush Hour sequel from Paramount, on behalf of Warner Bros.
Mrs. Trump’s documentary film marks Ratner’s return to directing after nearly a decade-long break following accusations of alleged sexual misconduct from several women – claims that he denied.
According to The Independent, Amazon MGM paid a whopping $40 million for MELANIA. It will be available to stream on Amazon Prime following its theatrical release, although a streaming release date has not yet been announced.
Photo: MGM Amazon/Press Kit
