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Black‑Tie ‘Melania’ Screening at White House Draws Political Blowback

Democrats criticize the timing given the Minneapolis shooting fallout.

A picture taken in Madrid on Jan. 22, 2026, shows a giant advertising billboard for the documentary film "Melania" about first lady Melania Trump.
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Melania Movie
Apple CEO Tim Cook gestures as he departs after a business leaders reception with the US President on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026.

Overview

  • The White House hosted a private, black‑tie advance screening in the East Room for roughly 70 guests, featuring a military band and custom popcorn boxes, framed tickets and take‑home cookies.
  • Attendees included Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon MGM chief Mike Hopkins, Apple’s Tim Cook, Queen Rania of Jordan, Mike Tyson, Tony Robbins and Barron Trump, according to posts and photos from the event.
  • The event faced sharp criticism after a federal agent fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and as a major winter storm loomed, with lawmakers tying the controversy to DHS funding fights and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez denouncing the screening.
  • Amazon MGM Studios is reported to have paid about $40 million for distribution rights and to be spending tens of millions more on marketing, with Brett Ratner directing the documentary.
  • Organizers note the screening was scheduled before the shooting, as the rollout proceeds with Melania Trump set to ring the NYSE opening bell Wednesday, a Kennedy Center screening Thursday and a U.S. theatrical launch Friday, followed by a later Prime Video window.