First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump captivated audiences at the Melania Trump documentary premiere on Thursday, at Washington, D.C.’s prestigious Kennedy Center. The red-carpet event marked a glamorous return to the spotlight for the former model turned executive producer, joined by her husband US President Donald Trump.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While the president was dressed in a navy suit, Melania stole the show in a chic black Dolce & Gabbana outfit. This high-profile gathering blended politics, Hollywood, and fashion, drawing members of his administration like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, alongside celebrities such as RFK Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and rapper Nicki Minaj.
Documentary overview
Directed by Brett Ratner—known for hits like “Rush Hour and X-Men: The Last Stand,” the 104-minute documentary film, simply titled “Melania,” chronicles the 20 pivotal days leading to Trump’s January 2025, inauguration. Produced under the first lady’s own “Muse” label, it offers “unprecedented access” to her life, from fashion fittings with designers Hervé Pierre and Lipp to diplomatic preparations and family moments at Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower. Melania herself described it not as a traditional documentary but a “creative experience,” emphasising her hands-on role in production, post-production, and marketing.
The trailer features her congratulating the president with “Hello, Mr. President, congratulations,” blending personal voiceovers with glimpses of Secret Service protocols and private discussions.
Trump called the Melania documentary “glamorous” and a “big deal” during the event, following a private White House screening on Jan 24 for 70 guests, including business leaders. It got a worldwide theatrical release on Friday, across 21 exclusive invitation-only screenings. The film coincides with the Trumps’ 21st wedding anniversary, just days after their 2005 nuptials at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and Mar-a-Lago reception. This timing adds a personal layer, reflecting Melania’s journey from Slovenian model to first lady.
Red carpet attendees
The Kennedy Center red carpet buzzed with star power. Melania’s elegant black ensemble highlighted her enduring fashion influence, a theme central to the film showcasing her inauguration coat and accessory selections. Attendees like the Chrisley family, Waka Flocka Flame, and “Wolf of Wall Street” figure Jordan Belfort mingled with political figures, underscoring the event’s crossover appeal.
The Kennedy Center facade, now bearing Trump’s name, amplified the spectacle. Social media lit up with clips of the Trumps walking arm-in-arm, fueling viral Melania red carpet moments on platforms like Instagram and X.
Behind-the-scenes insights
“Melania: 20 Days to History” (as some outlets dub it) delves into unscripted glimpses: Melania revealing Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” as her favorite track, singing along in a car ride; coordinating White House dinnerware and fabric samples; and navigating the 2024 election’s pressures. It touches on poignant moments like her mother’s passing and son Barron’s low profile, while crediting family including her father Viktor Knavs. Absent are stepchildren like Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany, focusing instead on her inner circle of stylists and coordinators. producer Marc Beckman stressed its non-political nature, prioritising her vision over partisan narratives.