From televised cabinet meetings to late-night Truth Social posts, US President Donald Trump has rarely stepped out of the spotlight since he resumed office in January. But more often than not, he's done it without his wife. So where is Melania? A new documentary co-produced by the first lady herself aims to answer that question. 'Melania: 20 Days to History' promises viewers an intimate glimpse into Melania Trump's life in the days leading up to her husband's January 2025 inauguration.
The film opened in cinemas across the US on Friday to controversy. It has received significant attention from administration critics and watchdogs, who have criticized the project's funding and dismissed the timing of its release as insensitive, as mass protests swell over two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Politics aside, those seeking answers about how Trump spends her time might find the film unsatisfying - much of it shows Melania Trump in transit, at public events, or drifting between meetings to review fabric samples and dinnerware. Still, small interactions with her closest friends offer some glimpses at how the famously enigmatic first lady is approaching her husband's second term. Everyone wants to know, so here it is, she says in an opening voiceover. Here's what we've learned from watching the film - and what we didn't.
The film touches briefly on the controversy around its creation, in a meta moment that shows Trump's staff fielding an inquiry from a journalist about its commission. Melania is a co-production from Trump herself and director Brett Ratner. The film is Ratner's first project since he was accused of sexual misconduct at the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017.
Throughout the film, Trump hints at discomfort with her new role, seeming to mourn the loss of her privacy and freedom to the rigid obligations of being first lady. While she expresses genuine sadness at reports of a tragedy or children with high screen time, she refrains from offering opinions or specific policy goals as first lady.
The documentary has become a key part of the celebrity PR toolkit, offering a promised intimacy amid widespread criticism from various political factions. For some viewers, it raises questions about the conflation of personal image and political influence as it follows Melania through her public and personal life, ultimately leaving audiences to ponder its true impact and implications in a divided political landscape.
The film opened in cinemas across the US on Friday to controversy. It has received significant attention from administration critics and watchdogs, who have criticized the project's funding and dismissed the timing of its release as insensitive, as mass protests swell over two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Politics aside, those seeking answers about how Trump spends her time might find the film unsatisfying - much of it shows Melania Trump in transit, at public events, or drifting between meetings to review fabric samples and dinnerware. Still, small interactions with her closest friends offer some glimpses at how the famously enigmatic first lady is approaching her husband's second term. Everyone wants to know, so here it is, she says in an opening voiceover. Here's what we've learned from watching the film - and what we didn't.
The film touches briefly on the controversy around its creation, in a meta moment that shows Trump's staff fielding an inquiry from a journalist about its commission. Melania is a co-production from Trump herself and director Brett Ratner. The film is Ratner's first project since he was accused of sexual misconduct at the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017.
Throughout the film, Trump hints at discomfort with her new role, seeming to mourn the loss of her privacy and freedom to the rigid obligations of being first lady. While she expresses genuine sadness at reports of a tragedy or children with high screen time, she refrains from offering opinions or specific policy goals as first lady.
The documentary has become a key part of the celebrity PR toolkit, offering a promised intimacy amid widespread criticism from various political factions. For some viewers, it raises questions about the conflation of personal image and political influence as it follows Melania through her public and personal life, ultimately leaving audiences to ponder its true impact and implications in a divided political landscape.
