By Gloria Nosa
U.S. First Lady Melania Trump is making headlines at the box office as her high-profile documentary, Melania, earned $7.04 million during its opening weekend, far exceeding projections and setting a new record for non-fiction films in the last decade.
The opening weekend haul surpasses the previous record-holder, 2023’s After Death, which debuted at $5 million. Analysts had anticipated a more modest range of $3 million to $5 million, making the documentary’s performance a notable surprise.
Melania premiered at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center on Thursday, January 29, ahead of its global theatrical release on Friday, January 30. The project is backed by a reported $40 million production deal with Amazon MGM Studios and supported by a $35 million marketing campaign.
The documentary offers a selective look into First Lady Melania Trump’s life in the weeks leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, highlighting her role and experiences in the White House.
The release also marks the return of director Brett Ratner to filmmaking after a long hiatus following multiple sexual misconduct allegations during the #MeToo era. No criminal charges were filed against Ratner, whose involvement has nevertheless drawn public attention.
With its record-breaking debut, Melania has quickly become one of the year’s most discussed documentaries, reflecting strong audience interest in political and celebrity-focused narratives.
