First Lady Melania Trump’s new film is getting an official premiere in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump and his wife are expected to appear at the premiere of the documentary Melania at the Trump-Kennedy Center on Thursday, January 29, Fox News reported.
“History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration,” the first lady said in a statement. “For the first time, global audiences are invited into theaters to witness this pivotal chapter unfold — a private, unfiltered look as I navigate family, business and philanthropy on my remarkable journey to becoming first lady of the United States of America.”
Washington D.C. is one of the 20 cities across the nation hosting events ahead of the release of the buzzworthy movie.
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Premiere events are scheduled for New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and Orange County, California.
The decision to host a premiere screening at the Trump-Kennedy Center comes after the White House confirmed the board of the Kennedy Center voted to rename the building that is in honor of President John F. Kennedy.
“I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote via X on December 18, 2025. “Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation. Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur.”
The renaming, however, was met with criticism from several Kennedy family members, including John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg and nephew Tim Shriver.
“It is beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy,” JFK’s niece Maria Shriver wrote via Instagram on December 18, 2025. “It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. It is not.”
When asked if he understands why some family members are upset, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who serves on the president’s cabinet — told CBS News, “Of course. I understand it, but I have bigger fish to fry.”
Building name drama aside, Melania is a new film from Amazon MGM Studios that promises to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the first lady during the critical weeks before the 2025 presidential inauguration.
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The film provides access to spaces and moments typically closed to cameras, offering viewers a new perspective on the logistical, personal and ceremonial preparations required before an inauguration.
According to Fox News, Amazon and MGM had the highest bid, purchasing the license for the film for $40 million — the largest documentary deal in history.
Melania will be released exclusively in theaters worldwide on Friday, January 30.