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Amazon-BackedMelania’ Opens Wide After D.C. Premiere as Early Sales Lag in Some Markets

Early reports point to sparse ticketing with negative online reception, despite a costly rollout intended to broaden Melania Trump’s public image.

Overview

  • Amazon MGM Studios is releasing the documentary in about 3,300 cinemas worldwide following a Kennedy Center premiere attended by President Trump, cabinet officials and celebrities including Nicki Minaj.
  • Multiple outlets report total spending near $75 million, with about $40 million for rights and roughly $35 million for a global marketing push that far exceeds typical documentary campaigns.
  • Initial demand appears weak in some territories, with a major London cinema and several Australian locations showing only a handful of advance ticket sales for early screenings, according to local reporting and exhibitor data.
  • Early online reaction has skewed strongly negative on rating platforms, while some outdoor posters were vandalized and some crew members were reportedly uncredited to avoid association.
  • Produced by Melania Trump and directed by Brett Ratner, the film covers 20 days leading to the 2025 inauguration; an Amazon spokesperson said the company acquired it because “we believe customers will love it.”