Particle.news
Download on the App Store

‘Melania’ Documentary Targets Premiere at Newly Renamed Trump–Kennedy Center

The rollout faces controversy, from the renamed venue to the director’s past accusations, ahead of a Jan. 30 theatrical debut.

Overview

  • The Hollywood Reporter says the film plans a red-carpet launch at The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with Amazon declining comment and no premiere date announced.
  • Amazon MGM Studios will release the documentary in theaters on Jan. 30, 2026 in the U.S. and select overseas territories, with a Prime Video window to follow, in a deal reported at about $40 million.
  • A one-minute trailer released last week promotes “unprecedented access” to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 inauguration and has driven fresh scrutiny and online reaction.
  • Director Brett Ratner returns to filmmaking after 2017 misconduct allegations he denied, and recent reports noted his appearance in newly released Epstein-related photos.
  • The Kennedy Center’s renaming has prompted a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty and artist pushback, and separate reporting has described Ratner’s extensive White House access that reportedly unsettled some Secret Service personnel.