The first lady debuted her new autobiographical film, “Melania,” at the Trump-Kennedy Center on Thursday night, saying she already considers it a success regardless of critical reception or box office performance.
“I’m very proud of the film so people may like it, may don’t like it, and that’s their choice,” Melania Trump told CNN outside the premiere. “We achieved what we want to achieve,” Melania added later. “For myself, it’s already successful. I’m very proud of what we did.”
President Donald Trump also attended the premiere, walking a red carpet that was black to match the film’s black-and-white aesthetic.
“She’s very smart, very measured — sometimes, when I’m not so measured, she measures you,” Trump said to one reporter about his wife of more than 20 years.
“I think they knew she was smart, but perhaps, maybe they’ll get her to see something that elevates her above just the word ‘smart,’” the president said at another point, as the Washington Post reported. “She’s got a lot of high quality.”
“It really brings back a glamour that you just don’t see anymore,” he told the outlet. “Our country could use a little bit of that.”
The media were not invited to view the film, but several government officials in attendance had glowing things to say about the first lady.
“She’s one of the most gracious people,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said of Melania.
“She’s not the caricature that we’ve been fed,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agreed.
Melania signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Amazon MGM Studios and served as executive producer on the project. Filming began in December 2024 and documents the 20 days leading up to her return to the White House.
“Melania” is directed by Brett Ratner, who is best known for the “Rush Hour” franchise.
The first lady previously mentioned the inspiration for the documentary while accepting Fox Nation’s “Patriot of the Year” award.
“A first of its kind, capturing the 20 days of my life before the inauguration, 20 intense days of transformation from private citizen to first lady, balancing my business, my philanthropy, fostering the future, building my East Wing team and the White House staff, and, of course, caring for my family,” she said at the time.
“Melania” began screening in theaters nationwide on Friday.
