Trump Gloats About Melania Trump’s “Movie Star” Status Following Her Doc’s Opening Week Box Office Success

Hollywood Reporter

by McKinley Franklin

February 19, 2026

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President Donald Trump has praised his wife Melania’s newfound status as a “big movie star” following the record-breaking box office success of her documentary. The film, which chronicled Melania’s transition into her role as First Lady during the final days before her husband’s second inauguration, opened to $7.2 million in its debut week—marking the highest launch for a documentary in over a decade. While Trump expressed pride in his wife’s achievement, he humorously questioned whether there was “room in one family for two stars,” referencing his own position as a prominent political figure. The documentary, directed by Brett Ratner and produced with significant backing from Amazon MGM Studios, has garnered attention not only for its box office performance but also for its substantial budget. Reports suggest that the studio spent $40 million on worldwide licensing rights and an additional $35 million on marketing, making it one of the most expensive documentaries ever produced. Despite its initial success, however, the film’s second week saw a significant drop in earnings, with ticket sales falling 67% to just $2.4 million. By its fourth week, the documentary had grossed a total of $15.8 million. While reviews have been mixed, Trump emphasized that the film has resonated strongly with audiences, particularly women who are returning to theaters multiple times to watch it. The president highlighted the positive response, noting that theaters remain packed and that Melania’s achievements reflect the growing influence of First Ladies in American culture. Although an official streaming release date on Amazon Prime has yet to be announced, the film’s success underscores the potential of high-profile documentaries to captivate audiences and generate significant cultural buzz. This story matters to entertainment readers because it showcases how a First Lady can transition into a prominent figure in Hollywood, leveraging her public role for personal and professional acclaim. The documentary’s financial backing and marketing efforts

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/19/2026