Former First Lady Melania Trump steps back into the spotlight with a new documentary project for Amazon Prime Video, directed by Brett Ratner.
According to Intelligencer, this project promises a never-before-seen glimpse into her life during her tenure in the White House.
Known for her elusive public persona, Melania Trump has often shied away from the media spotlight. However, starting in November 2024, she began a venture that would offer an inside look at her daily life and the responsibilities that came with her role as the First Lady. The documentary covers a wide array of activities, from her initial transition into the White House to personalizing her living space and setting up her support staff.
The production of this documentary intertwines with Melania’s time, split between her residences in New York, the White House, and Palm Beach. Post her husband, Donald Trump's second inauguration, she remained predominantly out of the public view, dedicating much of her time to this new project.
Melania told Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earhardt that the idea for the documentary emerged from the favorable reception of her memoir. “Well, the book was such a success, and I’m very proud,” she said. She explained that her readers’ and fans’ enthusiasm inspired her to extend her story into a visual format, capturing the intricacies of her "incredibly busy" life.
Despite potential controversies surrounding director Brett Ratner, Melania Trump definitively chose him for the project. Ratner, who faced sexual harassment allegations in 2017, received extensive access to personal and sensitive locations such as Mar-a-Lago during filming. Reports indicate that this level of access has caused discomfort among the Secret Service.
Amazon announced the project officially on January 6, 2025. The project is not only significant for its content but also for the financial figures involved. Amazon has committed an impressive $40 million to secure the documentary and a follow-up docuseries, marking it as the platform's highest documentary investment to date.
From this record-breaking deal, Melania Trump is set to earn $28 million. Beyond her earnings, she is exploring innovative ways to enhance the project’s profitability, including pitching sponsorship opportunities to CEOs and billionaires.
Amazon’s hefty investment could also reflect a strategic alignment with the Trump administration, possibly influenced by Jeff Bezos's desire to foster a good relationship with the former Presidential office. A spokesman from Amazon highlighted their motivation for acquiring the project, stating, "We licensed the upcoming Melania Trump documentary film and series for one reason and one reason only — because we think customers are going to love it."
The involvement of additional notable figures such as Fernando Sulichin and Elon Musk, alongside potential appearances from other Trump family members, suggests a comprehensive coverage of Melania’s experiences and interactions throughout her tenure as First Lady.
A political source told People Magazine, “She will never be a traditional first lady. That isn’t who she is,” emphasizing Melania's distinct approach to her role. The documentary may center on this non-traditional approach, offering audiences a detailed look at her unorthodox participation and initiatives while in office.
A Miami political source confirmed Melania’s active role in the production, stating that she “has been busy shooting her documentary,” which has taken place in several locations, including the White House. This ongoing engagement suggests she is personally invested in portraying her vision and version of events during this pivotal period.
Amazon Prime Video will release the documentary in the second half of 2025, alongside a limited theatrical run. This strategic launch highlights Amazon's confidence in the project’s appeal to a broad audience eager for an intimate look at one of the most enigmatic figures in recent political history.
