WASHINGTON (AP) – The new documentary "Melania," which recently premiered in theaters, offers a close-up look at the life of Melania Trump, the first lady, during a pivotal 20-day transition window in January 2025. The film opens with a close-up of her signature stilettos as she navigates her Palm Beach home, Mar-a-Lago, before journeying to New York and Trump Tower via her husband’s personal plane. Known for her privacy, Melania allowed film crews to follow her through various locations, including Palm Beach, New York City, and Washington, D.C., to present her transformation from a private citizen to a public figure, a role that many consider shrouded in mystery.
In the documentary, Melania Trump articulates her intention to share her journey with the American public. As she prepares for her return to the role of first lady, viewers witness her meticulous attention to detail during meetings and fittings. She is portrayed as highly focused on achieving the perfect fit for her inaugural coat and gown, demonstrating her fashion expertise, which stems from her background as a former model. Scenes depict her requesting adjustments to her clothing during fittings, emphasizing her desire for precision.
Moreover, the film captures Melania's involvement in organizing significant events, such as a pre-inaugural candlelight dinner for President Donald Trump’s donors. She displays keen interest in the finer aspects of the event, including reviewing invitations and selecting caviar served in a golden egg. Additionally, she takes charge of furnishing their private living quarters within the White House, focusing on practical aspects like upgrading her son Barron’s bed to accommodate his growth since the previous term.
Melania also engages with influential women worldwide, showcasing her commitment to children’s initiatives. The documentary includes scenes from her video discussion with Brigitte Macron, the wife of the French president, along with a meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan. Furthermore, she meets Aviva Siegel, who had been a hostage of Hamas militants during the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The credits of the film indicate that Melania played a significant role in securing the release of Siegel’s husband who remained in captivity at the time.
Safety concerns on Inauguration Day are also highlighted in the documentary. Melania and President Trump meet with Secret Service officials to review security plans. Despite reassurance, she expressed apprehension about the safety of the event, especially regarding the risks her family faced, citing previous assassination attempts against Trump. The inauguration and the accompanying parade were ultimately moved indoors due to cold weather and safety considerations, a decision Melania later describes as practical but one that brought her relief.
In terms of redefining the role of the first lady, Melania expresses her desire to modernize the responsibilities typically associated with the position. She has already begun to do so with the release of this documentary, which marks a departure from the traditional expectations of first ladies. Typically, such projects are pursued after leaving the White House to sidestep potential ethical concerns; however, Melania’s engagement in these ventures has become part of her current narrative. The documentary reportedly stems from a $40 million deal with AmazonMGM Studios, which has raised questions due to Amazon's business dealings with the federal government and the owner’s interest in improving relations with the U.S. president.
Notably, during Trump’s first term, Melania made headlines by living in New York for several months to ensure Barron could finish the school year uninterrupted. In her second term, she divided her time between New York and Florida while working on this film, highlighting her ongoing commitment to balancing her family responsibilities with her public role. The documentary thus serves as a unique and revealing insight into the life of Melania Trump as she navigates her second term as first lady, staging an unprecedented blend of personal narrative and public duty.
