Melania Trump’s Documentary Surprises with $7 Million Opening Weekend Earnings
First lady Melania Trump attends the world premiere of ‘Melania’ at the Kennedy Center on Jan. 29, 2026.
Credit:
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty
Opening Weekend for Melania Trump’s Documentary Surpasses Expectations
First lady Melania Trump’s documentary, Melania, recorded a strong opening weekend, earning $7.04 million at the box office. This figure, reported as the largest opening for a non-fiction film in a decade, is notable, especially considering the film’s $40 million budget and a $35 million marketing campaign.
The documentary premiered on January 29 at the newly rebranded Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a day before its global theatrical release on January 30. According to Deadline, this record-breaking weekend surpasses the previous non-fiction record set by After Death, which earned $5 million in its opening.
Analysts had initially projected a more modest debut for Melania, estimating between $3 million to $5 million, while some reports suggested numbers as low as $1 million to $2 million.
The film provides an inside glimpse into Trump’s life leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. It is also significant as it marks the return of director Brett Ratner, who has faced accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple women, although no criminal charges were filed against him.
The first lady, who served as an executive producer for the documentary, previously held a private screening at the White House on January 24, referring to the event as “a historic moment.” In a post on social media, she expressed her gratitude for “being surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts.”
“As we move forward, our stories endure time and serve as a reminder of our mutual obligation to one another. It was an honor to present my new film, MELANIA, ahead of its global launch,” she added.
The film’s strong opening could pave the way for further projects from Trump in Hollywood. In November, she announced the launch of Muse Films, a new production company focused on creating lifestyle content. Senior adviser Marc Beckman confirmed that Muse Films intends to explore themes such as fashion, art, music, and wellness, catering primarily to female audiences.
