First ladies don't usually get the streaming documentary treatment, but Melania Trump is making an exception. On Wednesday, she dropped the first trailer for "MELANIA," an Amazon (AMZN) MGM Studios production that promises unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the days before her husband's return to the White House.
A Trailer With a Message
The preview opens with Melania Trump at the inauguration itself, where she delivers what might be the documentary's thesis statement: "Here we go again." From there, the trailer cuts through scenes of her in New York, at Mar-a-Lago, and aboard private aircraft. "Everyone wants to know, so here it is," she says, seemingly acknowledging the public curiosity that has followed her throughout both Trump administrations.
The documentary will focus specifically on the 20-day period leading up to President Trump's 2025 inauguration, offering what Amazon describes as unprecedented access to that transition period.
Release Strategy and Expanded Coverage
"MELANIA" is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 30, 2026, before making its way to Prime Video for streaming. But the story doesn't end with the film. Amazon also plans to release an accompanying documentary series that will dig deeper into the subject matter, expanding on what the feature film covers.
The Director's Comeback
Brett Ratner, the director behind the "Rush Hour" franchise, helmed the project. This marks Ratner's first feature film since 2017, making the documentary something of a return for both subject and filmmaker.
The project fits into a broader trend of political figures using long-form streaming content to control their own narratives. Instead of leaving the storytelling to journalists or historians, they're creating their own versions of events in real time.
Muse Films Takes Center Stage
Last month, Melania Trump announced the launch of Muse Films, her own production company. "MELANIA" serves as the company's inaugural project, suggesting this might not be her last foray into documentary filmmaking.
As for Amazon (AMZN), the company continues to expand its content portfolio across Prime Video, backing projects ranging from blockbuster series to political documentaries like this one.