From televised cabinet meetings to late-night Truth Social posts, US President Donald Trump has rarely stepped out of the spotlight since he resumed office in January. But more often than not, he’s done it without his wife. So where is Melania?
A new documentary co-produced by the First Lady aims to answer that question. 'Melania: 20 Days to History' promises viewers an intimate glimpse into Melania Trump’s life in the days leading up to her husband’s January 2025 inauguration.
The film opened in cinemas across the US on Friday amid controversy. It has received significant attention from administration critics, who have criticized the project’s funding and dismissed the timing of its release as insensitive, especially as mass protests swell over two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Politics aside, those seeking answers about how Trump spends her time might find the film unsatisfying—much of it shows her in transit, at public events, or drifting between meetings to review fabric samples and dinnerware. Still, small interactions with her closest friends offer some glimpses at how the famously enigmatic First Lady is approaching her husband’s second term.
Early on, Trump states, 'I want to show the American people my journey from private citizen to First Lady,' and the film briefly touches on the controversy surrounding its creation. Much of the documentary takes place in Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago, showcasing limited interiors and focusing on her meetings with stylists and event planners.
Some of the documentary's most touching moments occur when Melania opens up about her mother’s death, revealing the overwhelming grief she feels, especially at significant events.
The documentary hints at the challenges of the First Lady role, depicting Melania echoing her husband’s sentiments about injustices faced during challenging political periods, while providing few insights into her personal views or policy goals.
Reactions to the film have been polarized. It is, nonetheless, a part of a growing trend where celebrities use documentaries for image control and intimacy, even amid rising scrutiny and backlash. The film's high production costs, funded by Amazon, have sparked further criticism as observers question the motivations behind such support.
Despite the mixed reviews, 'Melania: 20 Days to History' sets to stir discussions about the complexities of being a First Lady in the contemporary political landscape, revealing as much about the individual as it does about the office she occupies.
