New Delhi: Washington’s elite rolled out the black carpet—not red—for a glitzy night at the Kennedy Centre, where Melania Trump’s big-budget documentary Melania premiered amid whispers of White House favours and Hollywood glamour.

President Donald Trump stood by his wife’s side as cabinet bigwigs, rappers, and FIFA bosses mingled under a giant MELANIA sign. With Amazon MGM Studios dropping $75 million on this insider tale of inauguration drama, is it pure art or savvy politics? The stars aligned Thursday, but box office buzz hints at a modest $5 million opening.

Lavish premiere details

The event drew senior Trump administration members like Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. A US official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, said cabinet attendance was viewed as obligatory. Trump and Melania left the White House together, interacting with the media on the black carpet.

Global stars added flair, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, musician Waka Flocka Flame, Jordan Belfort, former New York Mayor Eric Adams, and US Second Lady Usha Vance.

BREAKING 🚨 President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the Red Carpet for “Melania” premier at the Trump-Kennedy Center.

Melania is absolutely stunning at the premier!

American royalty on full display 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aGnRin5Slc

— J (@JayTC53) January 30, 2026

 Film’s high-stakes backstory

Melania, directed by Brett Ratner and produced with Melania Trump’s involvement, chronicles the 20 days before President Trump’s January 2025 inauguration and the family’s White House return. Amazon MGM Studios financed it with a reported $75 million—$40 million to license the film and docuseries, plus $35 million for promotion and global distribution, per a person familiar with the matter.

The trailer shows Melania advising Trump to stress “peacemaker and unifier” in his speech, offering rare access during her low-profile second term as First Lady.

Key quotes and denials

Melania shared her vision: “I want to show the people what it takes to go from private citizen to being a First Lady again.” Ratner dismissed favour-currying claims, telling reporters: “It wasn’t about getting rich. I think the Trumps are wealthy and successful enough.”

Trump called suggestions of his involvement “fake news,” adding: “I’m not involved, and it was done with my wife.” An Amazon spokesperson stated, “We licensed the film for one reason and one reason only – because we think customers are going to love it.”

 Release and expectations

The film hits 1,700 US and Canada theaters on Friday after massive hype: NFL ads, global billboards, and Las Vegas Sphere projections. Box office forecasters predict up to $5 million opening weekend, despite the huge spend.