The upcoming documentary on First Lady Melania Trump has faced a major setback even before its release at the US and UK box offices.
Produced at a cost of $75 million, the film is scheduled to release on January 30, 2026, but ticket sales in major cinemas in New York and London have been extremely low. Reports suggest that many showings had zero bookings, with only a few seats reserved in some theaters.
The documentary reportedly covers the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, and claims that Melania Trump was paid $28 million for her role.
Amazon reportedly spent $40 million to acquire rights for the film, along with $35 million on marketing, promotion, and distribution.
The film highlights Melania Trump’s life, business ventures, philanthropy, and family responsibilities, and how she helped establish the East Wing of the White House.
However, some hosts and critics have mocked the film, noting changes made to the historic East Wing during renovations.
Despite promotion on President Trump’s social media accounts urging audiences to watch, ticket sales remain dismal. In New York’s Times Square theaters, evening shows priced at $25 per ticket reportedly sold none.
Social media users have shared images of empty theaters, turning what was intended as a showcase of Melania and Donald Trump’s prominence into a source of public ridicule.
Industry insiders have also criticized the documentary, with some staff members reportedly removing their names from credits over concerns about the film’s propaganda-like tone and impending backlash.
Critics have further targeted Melania for promoting the documentary during significant national events, such as the Minnesota shooting that killed Alex Paretti. Many observers view the film’s poor reception as an ill omen for Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Early projections estimate the film could earn only $1–2 million in its first week, marking a disappointing start for what was intended to be a major cultural and political release.