US First Lady Melania Trump's documentary makes global release

In the U.S., Melania Trump is capping her first year back as First Lady with the global release of a documentary.

A private person, U.S. First Lady Melania Trump remains a bit of a mystery to the public in her husband's second term.

The film "Melania" premiered Thursday at the Kennedy Center before it is released on Friday in more than 1,500 theatres in the US and around the world.

The US First lady said viewers will see how she conducts her businesses and philanthropy, cares for her family and builds her White House team.

She called it "beautiful, emotional, fashionable and cinematic and said she's "very proud of it."

U.S. President Donald Trump also praised the movie while attending the Premiere but said he had no role in its production.

He said, "Well, I think they knew she was smart, but perhaps maybe they'll get to see something that elevates above just the word smart. She's got a lot of, a lot of high quality. I really had none. (No role in the production) I saw it for the first time two nights ago, I loved it. I thought it was really great. But it really brings back a glamour that you just don't see anymore. Our country can use a little bit of that, right? You would know that, right?"

The documentary was produced by AmazonMGM Studios and is said to have cost US$40 million.

Director Brett Ratner said his measure of success would not be box-office performance.

It was unclear how much money Melania Trump stands to earn or what her plans are for any film proceeds.

Experts said it was unusual for a first lady to pursue a project of this kind from the White House, but not unusual for the Trumps.

Presidents and first ladies generally refrain from pursuing outside business ventures while in office to avoid potential conflicts of interest or raising ethical concerns.

Both the Trumps participate in numerous business ventures, selling everything from watches, fragrances and Bibles to jewelry, Christmas ornaments and digital collectibles.

Marc Beckman, the first lady's longtime senior adviser, defended the financial arrangement, which Amazon has declined to comment on.

The movie also marks another link between the Trumps and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has worked to improve a once-tense relationship with the president.

The US public is divided on their views of Melania Trump, but a significant number, about 4 in 10 adults, had no opinion or had not heard of her, according to a CNN poll from January 2025.