What happens on a movie set doesn’t always stay there; it makes its way to news outlets and then to social media. Melania Trump’s eponymous documentary has been struggling to fetch ticket sales so far, and amid that, a few crew members revealed what it was like to work on the film.
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, an anonymous crew member said, “I’m much more alarmed now than I was a year ago.” Another person working in the production team told the publication, “Unfortunately, if it does flop, I would really feel great about it.”
Another member of the production team confessed, “I feel a little bit uncomfortable with the propaganda element of this.” Talking about the problematic past and s—– misconduct allegations surrounding the film’s director, Brett Ratner, another crew member said, “There was more talk about Brett being slimy than there was about Melania.”
“Unfortunately, if it does flop, I would really feel great about it,” another crew member was quoted as saying by Rolling Stone.
The constant criticism and low-ticket bookings notwithstanding, Donald Trump continues to cheer for his wife’s movie. “MELANIA, the Movie, is a MUST WATCH. Get your tickets today — Selling out, FAST,” Trump claimed in his X post. However, the Internet was quick to give him a reality check, sharing screenshots of empty theatre screens.
MELANIA, the Movie, is a MUST WATCH. Get your tickets today — Selling out, FAST!
Photo: Regine Mahauxhttps://t.co/rjwd5Appkv pic.twitter.com/vFpXfV0Mg0
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 26, 2026
As a part of her promotional duties, Melania rang the Opening Bell to celebrate Amazon MGM Studio’s global theatrical release of the film. She also shared a picture from her film’s private screening held at the White House, and wrote, “MELANIA, the film A Historic Moment. I am deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night.”
Adding in her caption, the First Lady wrote, “Each of these individuals brought their unique vision to the world, making a lasting impression. Our personal stories endure time and serve as a reminder of our mutual obligation to one another. It was an honor to present my new film, MELANIA, ahead of its global launch.”
MELANIA, the film
A Historic Moment
I am deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night. Each of these individuals each brought their unique vision to the world, making a lasting… pic.twitter.com/NmAUuEQp2L
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 25, 2026
Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel took a swipe at Melania’s documentary on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live! The host jokingly said, “These Epstein files are like Melania’s movie, no one’s ever going to see them.” Kimmel went on to take a jab at Melania’s marriage, saying during his piece, “You know, between this and her marriage, she’s probably the highest paid actress in the world.”
In addition to her big screen debut, the documentary also marks the First Lady’s new venture, a production house called Muse Films. Melania announced her project last year, sharing a teaser from the documentary, and she wrote in a social media post, “PRESENTING: MUSE FILMS. My new production company. MELANIA, the film, exclusively in theatres worldwide on January 30th, 2026.”
The closest Melania Trump got to giving a sneak peek into her life was through her first-ever book, also titled “Melania.” Melania, a former model, met the real estate and business tycoon Donald Trump in the Nineties and they got married in 2005. A year later, they welcomed son Barron.
