Amazon has unveiled the first official trailer for its highly anticipated, big-budget documentary film focusing on former First Lady Melania Trump. The project, which secured a staggering $40 million for its rights, promises an intimate look behind the curtain of American political power.
Unprecedented Access to a Political Transition
The film, simply titled Melania, is set to shadow its subject during the crucial 20-day period leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration. Producers boast of "unprecedented access," with the footage pledging to reveal exclusive moments from critical meetings, private discussions, 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 "intense transition and planning" phase with a global audience.
The brief trailer offers a glimpse of this dynamic, showing Melania assisting her husband, Donald Trump, on camera. He declares, "My proudest legacy will be that of peacemaker," to which she affirmatively adds, "peacemaker and unifier." The film's tagline invites audiences to "Witness history in the making."
Controversial Director and High-Profile Backing
The documentary marks a significant comeback for its director, Brett Ratner, whose involvement has sparked 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 project's connections extend into Trump's business circles. The film will be distributed by Paramount, a studio recently purchased by Skydance and 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.
Release Strategy and Additional Content
Melania is scheduled for a cinematic release on 30 January. In addition to the feature film, Amazon will also release a complementary three-part docuseries. This series will chart Melania Trump's life as she travelled between her residences in New York, Washington D.C., and Palm Beach.
The documentary was originally conceived by the former first lady in November 2024, positioning it as a carefully curated portrait of a pivotal moment at the apex of US politics. Its release is poised to generate significant discussion, both for its subject matter and the contentious figure behind the camera.
