What the 'Melania' movie reveals (and what it leaves out) Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY January 30, 2026 at 8:15 PM 1.1k The biggest revelation of the Melania Trump movie is that there are none. Over the course of 104 unhurried minutes, "Melania" (in theaters now) follows the first lady as she gets dress fittings, looks at carpet swatches and interviews potential candidates for her staff, all in preparation for her family's move back to the White House in January 2025.
- - What the 'Melania' movie reveals (and what it leaves out)
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY January 30, 2026 at 8:15 PM
1.1k
The biggest revelation of the Melania Trump movie is that there are none.
Over the course of 104 unhurried minutes, "Melania" (in theaters now) follows the first lady as she gets dress fittings, looks at carpet swatches and interviews potential candidates for her staff, all in preparation for her family's move back to the White House in January 2025.
There are some personal observations, as she remarks on the "quiet strength" of her late mother, Amalija Knavs, and praises the "intelligent mind" of the couple's 19-year-old son, Barron. But for a documentary about the lead-up to President Donald Trump's second inauguration, the commander in chief stays very much in the periphery.
Here are the most noteworthy moments of the film, which is executive produced by the first lady and directed by disgraced Hollywood filmmaker Brett Ratner:
President Trump jokes that Melania is 'very difficult' but an 'incredible' first ladynew "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/PymtUps class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
">The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://ift.tt/PymtUps class=caas-img>The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7GFAiLO class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
">The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
" src=https://ift.tt/7GFAiLO class=caas-img>First lady Melania Trump
" data-src=https://ift.tt/EcTrw57 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump
">First lady Melania Trump
" src=https://ift.tt/EcTrw57 class=caas-img>Brett Ratner
" style=padding-bottom:56%>"Melania" director Brett Ratner
" data-src=https://ift.tt/bTpPeHr class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
"Melania" director Brett Ratner
">"Melania" director Brett Ratner
" src=https://ift.tt/bTpPeHr class=caas-img>U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/sR9hbOT class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
">U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
" src=https://ift.tt/sR9hbOT class=caas-img>Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/uXYdGDj class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
">Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
" src=https://ift.tt/uXYdGDj class=caas-img>"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Y4yEB0x class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
">"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
" src=https://ift.tt/Y4yEB0x class=caas-img>
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/BFrSjKX class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
">House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
" src=https://ift.tt/BFrSjKX class=caas-img>U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
" data-src=https://ift.tt/tETRcaM class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
">U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
" src=https://ift.tt/tETRcaM class=caas-img>Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/8qcFeN0 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
">Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
" src=https://ift.tt/8qcFeN0 class=caas-img>
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/AfzHC6F class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
">U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
" src=https://ift.tt/AfzHC6F class=caas-img>Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
" data-src=https://ift.tt/rGfKA4D class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
">Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
" src=https://ift.tt/rGfKA4D class=caas-img>Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
" data-src=https://ift.tt/wrpY7HA class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
">Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
" src=https://ift.tt/wrpY7HA class=caas-img>
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
" data-src=https://ift.tt/goF6DfW class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
">Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
" src=https://ift.tt/goF6DfW class=caas-img>Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
" data-src=https://ift.tt/MdSgtsu class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
">Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
" src=https://ift.tt/MdSgtsu class=caas-img>Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
" data-src=https://ift.tt/iQWmu2d class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
">Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
" src=https://ift.tt/iQWmu2d class=caas-img>Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
" data-src=https://ift.tt/MYXFQ9m class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
">Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
" src=https://ift.tt/MYXFQ9m class=caas-img>
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
" data-src=https://ift.tt/1zVIyoZ class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
">Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
" src=https://ift.tt/1zVIyoZ class=caas-img>
1 / 27Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
Trump only appears a handful of times throughout "Melania." Early in the movie, he can be heard in voiceover as she chats with him on the phone. "Hi, honey," he says, to which she responds, "Hi, Mr. President." He calls the election results "a big win," adding that he won the popular vote in a landslide and had not anticipated such high numbers.
Later, he greets Melania as she gets off the plane in Washington, kissing her on the cheek as he says she looks "very beautiful" like "a movie star."
The few occasions that Trump does speak to the film cameras, it's to compliment his wife. "She's the most incredible first lady. … She's very difficult, but there's nobody like her," Trump says with a laugh, adding that she's "not difficult" before bidding her goodnight.
Donald Trump wonders why his inauguration has to 'compete' with football
President Donald Trump, left, kisses his wife, first lady Melania Trump, during his second inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington.
During a visit to their Florida home of Mar-a-Lago, Trump and Melania meet with staffers to nail down Inauguration Day plans. His team tells him that he'll be riding with President Joe Biden to the U.S. Capitol on the day. "That'll be an interesting drive," Trump says with a smirk.
The couple proceeds to ask questions about their safety, as well as why the College Football Playoff national championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame is being broadcast on Inauguration Day.
"We have to compete with the championship? How did that happen?" Trump queries, adding "I think they did that on purpose."
In that same exchange, he looks at a photo from his 2017 inauguration, where Melania wore a sky-blue Ralph Lauren dress with matching gloves. Trump then turns to Melania and asks, "You have a good dress? You have a nice dress? This one blew everyone away." He asks if her 2025 inauguration outfit can compete, to which she laughs.
Barron Trump is mostly MIA during the 'Melania' movie
Barron Trumpp attends the inauguration ceremony before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Lamarque / POOL / AFP) (Photo by KEVIN LAMARQUE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Barron has largely stayed out of the spotlight during both of his father's presidential terms, and he is now in his second year at New York University.
On the rare occasions that he does appear in the documentary, he is filmed from the back or in side profile, save for a shot of him waving to the crowd during an inauguration celebration at Capital One Arena in Washington, which is soundtracked by "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" by James Brown & the Famous Flames.
"Barron is a very confident young man," Melania says in voiceover, adding that he got "quite the reception" at the event. At other points in the film, she praises her son for having a good head on his shoulders, explaining that she's excited to see him forge his own path and start a family one day.
Melania Trump does the 'YMCA,' sings along to Michael Jacksonher "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/jpd3tau class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
">First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
" src=https://ift.tt/jpd3tau class=caas-img>Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Rub5pd6 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.
">Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.
" src=https://ift.tt/Rub5pd6 class=caas-img>First lady Melania Trump
" data-src=https://ift.tt/X4HKExa class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump
">First lady Melania Trump
" src=https://ift.tt/X4HKExa class=caas-img>President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/rCSaNRT class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.
">President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.
" src=https://ift.tt/rCSaNRT class=caas-img>President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/BpkYzN4 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
">President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://ift.tt/BpkYzN4 class=caas-img>The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/sCO7Tqu class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.
">The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.
" src=https://ift.tt/sCO7Tqu class=caas-img>The couple shared a smile for the cameras
" data-src=https://ift.tt/NJv6AM3 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The couple shared a smile for the cameras
">The couple shared a smile for the cameras
" src=https://ift.tt/NJv6AM3 class=caas-img>The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/3sf5Jqt class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.
">The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.
" src=https://ift.tt/3sf5Jqt class=caas-img>The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/EcTrw57 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.
">The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.
" src=https://ift.tt/EcTrw57 class=caas-img>President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/TC4hGwr class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
">President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://ift.tt/TC4hGwr class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7GFAiLO class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://ift.tt/7GFAiLO class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://ift.tt/kiSFrGc class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://ift.tt/kiSFrGc class=caas-img>The first couple greet the press.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/K1jrPzA class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple greet the press.
">The first couple greet the press.
" src=https://ift.tt/K1jrPzA class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://ift.tt/PymtUps class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://ift.tt/PymtUps class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://ift.tt/EXOL5WQ class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://ift.tt/EXOL5WQ class=caas-img>
1 / 15Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
As noted, "Melania" is short on genuine insight into the first lady and her duties. The film briefly features both virtual and in-person meetings with Queen Rania of Jordan, France's first lady Brigitte Macron, and freed Israeli hostage Aviva Siegel, as Melania gets involved with various humanitarian causes.
She speaks broadly in platitudes about serving the American people and leading with love: "I'll move forward with purpose," Melania says at the end of the film. "And, of course, a sense of style."
The few times that we really get to see the more human side of Melania are while she dances and half-sings along to both Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and Village People's "YMCA" at various points. She laughs at a CNN inauguration broadcast, as the anchors marvel at how tall Barron is. (He is at least 6-foot-7, to be fair.)
And although she doesn't cry, per se, Melania appears visibly emotional during one scene as she watches news coverage of last year's Los Angeles wildfires.
Donald Trump chats with President Joe Biden, pats him on the shoulder
President Donald Trump, left, and outgoing President Joe Biden attend Trump's inauguration in Washington on Jan. 20, 2025.
A handful of famous faces appear throughout the documentary, including tech giants Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg at different inaugural events, as well as Trump's presidential opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, during the ceremony itself. None of them are heard speaking in the film.
Biden and his wife, first lady Jill Biden, also appear a few times, as they pose for a picture with the Trumps on Inauguration Day. Before boarding Air Force One, Trump looks back at Biden and gives him a tap on the shoulder, and the two men can be seen chatting by the helicopter outside the U.S. Capitol.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Melania' Trump movie's most revealing moments
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 30, 2026 at 10:00PM on Source: PRIME TIME
#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle