Melania Trump’s new documentary hit the big screen today, sparking online discussion as a wave of viewers pledge to take part in a streaming protest—opting to watch Michelle Obama’s 2020 Netflix documentary instead.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Melania offers what the studio describes as unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 presidential inauguration, told through the eyes of the first lady herself.
The film follows Melania Trump as she oversees inauguration preparations, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and relocates her family back to Washington, D.C. Featuring exclusive footage of key meetings, private conversations, and previously unseen settings, the documentary chronicles her return to one of the most powerful roles in the world.
The film arrives with significant commercial expectations. Amazon reportedly spent $40 million to acquire distribution rights, though early box office projections estimate a comparatively modest $1–$2 million for its opening weekend.
The premiere took place on Thursday at the newly renamed Trump–Kennedy Center, with a guest list made up of political figures and high-profile personalities. Donald Trump attended alongside Donald Trump Jr. and his fiancee Bettina Anderson. Usha Vance appeared on behalf of the vice presidential family, while Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and his wife Kathryn Burgum were also in attendance. Lee and Diana Zeldin were among several political couples present. Celebrity and non-political guests included Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Maria Bartiromo, Nicki Minaj, Hervé Pierre, Jennifer Rauchet, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Despite the high-profile rollout, the timing has come at a fraught political time amid ongoing political turmoil and public grief following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renée Good in Minneapolis.
Some critics have decided to start a streaming war. One woman on Threads has encouraged viewers to boost ratings for former first lady Michelle Obama’s 2020 documentary, Becoming, her post garnered 129,000 views on the platform.
Becoming offers an intimate look at Michelle Obama during a period of profound transition, both personally and nationally. The film follows her on a 34-city tour after leaving the White House, highlighting themes of community, connection, and storytelling while giving audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life beyond public office.
“Group Project! Tomorrow, let’s all watch Michelle Obama’s Becoming on Netflix to make it number 1 (to make Melania’s movie look even worse than it already does with its $62 in opening week sales),” shared @notyourfinancialqueen, whose profile states they are “liberal.” Writer and artist Nash Gibson, self-described as “anti-MAGA,” replied: “Yes!”
“Oh man… it’s Bridgerton weekend, but I suppose Lady Whistledown could wait,” said Vicki Brunsdon VandenBrink, whose profile states they are “leftist liberal.” And Maria Carmazzi, who describes herself as “blue through and through,” wrote: “No hesitation! Can’t wait to see the best First Lady!!!”
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