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35 of the best and worst looks Melania Trump has worn as first lady

Updated

  • Melania Trump’s style has been closely watched since she became first lady.
  • Her best first lady looks mix her personal style with a professional edge.
  • Melania Trump has also worn some controversial outfits over the years.

Melania Trump has been quietly reinventing her style in her second tenure as first lady.

Since she returned to the White House in 2025, she has largely struck a more subdued tone with her attire than she did when President Donald Trump first took office in 2017.

Since becoming first lady, Melania Trump’s style has often drawn attention, with some of her outfits proving controversial.

Take a look at some of the best and worst looks she’s worn during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Melania Trump paid homage to Jackie Kennedy when she debuted as first lady.

Donald and Melania Trump on Inauguration Day 2017.

Kevin Dietsch – Pool/Getty Images

Ralph Lauren Collection designed the knee-length, powder-blue dress Melania wore to Trump’s inauguration in 2017, along with the coordinating shrug and gloves.

She accessorized the outfit with pearl earrings and blue, pointed-toe heels.

The full ensemble evoked Jackie Kennedy’s style. From the bright color to the nod to one of America’s most iconic first ladies, Melania’s look was the perfect choice for her husband’s first inauguration.

Her custom gown for the 2017 inaugural balls featured standout three-dimensional detailing.


Donald and Melania Trump at the 2017 Inauguration Ball 2017.

Donald and Melania Trump at a 2017 inaugural ball.

Kevin Dietsch – Pool/Getty Images

Hervé Pierre custom-designed Melania’s off-the-shoulder dress for the inaugural ball.

The cream dress had an A-line silhouette, a thigh-high slit on one side, and three-dimensional fabric that curved across the bodice. A thin red belt cinched at the waist for a pop of color.

The dress felt high-fashion, connecting the first lady to her past as a model as she stepped into a new role.

Melania’s outfit for a visit to Texas in August 2017 got attention online.


Donald and Melania Trump in Texas in August 2017.

Donald and Melania Trump in Texas in August 2017.

JIM WATSON / AFP / Getty Images

In August 2017, the Trumps visited Corpus Christi, Texas, following Hurricane Harvey to assess recovery efforts.

The pair wore casual attire, with Melania arriving in a white button-down, black jeans, and sneakers. She also added a black baseball hat to her look that said “FLOTUS,” first lady of the United States, on the front.

Melania’s outfit quickly became a source of social-media chatter. Some said her hat called attention to her in the wake of the natural disaster, while others praised her casual outfit.

Her suit for a Canadian state visit in October 2017 was more fitting for the occasion.


Donald and Melania Trump with Justin and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau in October 2017.

Donald and Melania Trump with Justin and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in October 2017.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

When greeting Justin and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the White House in October 2017, Melania wore a gray pinstripe suit instead of a dress.

The suit featured high-waisted pants, and she paired it with a white button-down and an untied black tie. The outfit was unexpected for a first lady, offering a fun style moment.

The president and first lady had a rare matching moment in April 2018, wearing coordinating striped looks.


Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April 2018.

Mandel NGAN / AFP / Getty Images

In April 2018, the Trumps hosted Japan’s prime minister at the time, Shinzo Abe, and his wife, Akie Abe, at Mar-a-Lago, during which the first lady wore an off-the-shoulder dress from Carolina Herrera.

The dress was covered in black and white stripes, with thicker black stripes on the bodice and the pattern reversed on the midi-length skirt.

She added white heels to her look, and Trump wore a navy and white striped tie that matched his wife’s look. The coordinating outfits were an atypical but welcome choice for the couple.

The same month, Melania stunned in a black minidress and coordinating coat.


The Trumps, President Macron, and his wife at the White House in April 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife at the White House in April 2018.

Al Drago/Getty Images

Melania greeted President Macron of France and his wife, Brigitte, in a black minidress and black pumps at the White House.

The standout feature of her outfit was a Givenchy tuxedo cape, which added a flair of personality to the otherwise simple look.

The semi-sheer dress she wore to a state dinner for the Macrons during the same trip was a little too busy.


Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2018.

Alex Edelman-Pool/Getty Images

The first lady changed into a silver Chanel dress for the dinner.

Most of the form-fitting dress was covered in textured fabric, while the top of the bodice and bottom of the skirt were made of a sheer, black fabric adorned with silver embellishments.

The fabrics didn’t blend well, making the dress look too busy. It would have been a better look without the sheer fabric.

In June 2018, Melania received backlash for wearing a jacket that said, “I really don’t care, do u?”


Melania Trump getting into a car while wearing a jacket that says

Melania Trump in June 2018.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

In June 2018, Melania visited an immigration facility in McAllen, Texas, where children were living, wearing a green Zara jacket that said “I really don’t care, do u?” on the back.

Critics said the jacket was insensitive to wear for the visit, critiquing both the first lady and the president for the fashion faux pas.

Melania’s former aide, Stephanie Grisham, wrote in her book “I’ll Take Your Questions Now” that the president yelled at Melania for wearing the jacket, though Trump and the first lady both said she wore it to send a message to the left-wing media.

A different bow would have improved her dress for an Independence Day celebration in July 2018.


Melania and Donald Trump in July 2018.

Melania and Donald Trump in July 2018.

Alex Edelman/Getty Images

Melania wore a floor-length wrap dress from Ralph Lauren to celebrate Independence Day 2018.

The blue-and-white gingham dress was fun and festive for the holiday, but the oversize red belt tied at her waist overwhelmed the look.

If the first lady had swapped the bow for a thinner belt, her dress would have been more effective.

Melania’s suit for a trip to Egypt in October 2018 also raised some eyebrows.


Melania Trump in October 2018.

Melania Trump in October 2018.

Tarek Wajeh/picture alliance via Getty Images

Melania posed for photos in front of pyramids in Egypt wearing cream trousers, a white blouse, a black tie, and a sand-colored Ralph Lauren blazer. A white-and-black boater hat completed the look.

The outfit may have been innocuously stylish in a different venue, but some social-media users thought the outfit looked similar to one worn by “Raiders of the Lost Ark” villain René Belloq during his visit to the pyramids in the film.

It wasn’t the first time Melania faced criticism for one of her outfits on her visit to Africa. During her tour of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx, Melania told reporters, “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear,” following backlash for wearing a white pith helmet.

“You know what? We just completed an amazing trip,” she added. “We went to Ghana, we went to Malawi, we went to Kenya, here we are in Egypt. I want to talk about my trip, not what I wear.”

Brown pants weren’t a great choice for Melania’s evening arrival at the White House in December 2018.


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Donald and Melania Trump in December 2018.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Donald and Melania Trump arrived at the White House on the evening of December 27, holding hands as they walked across the lawn.

While the president was in a suit, Melania wore a green jacket, light-brown pants, and matching shoes.

The pants might have been a better choice for a daytime look, as it was difficult for some to tell if the first lady was even wearing bottoms at first glance in the dark. The addition of sunglasses to her nighttime look was also an odd choice.

Melania’s outfit would have worked better during the day or with different pants.

In April 2019, Melania rocked a stylish polka-dot dress.


Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2019.

Donald and Melania Trump at the White House in April 2019.

Xinhua/Ting Shen/Getty Images

In April 2019, the first lady was photographed at the White House in a black-and-white polka-dot dress designed by Alessandra Rich.

The high-neck dress was cinched at the waist with a black belt, coordinating with the dots on the dress, and it hit her mid-calf.

Melania wore a cream coat over her shoulders and her signature sunglasses, adding glamour to the feminine look.

Gloves brought an elegant touch to her look for a June 2019 state dinner in the UK.


Melania Trump and Prince Charles in June 2019.

Melania Trump and then-Prince Charles in June 2019.

VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

During a visit to the UK, Melania attended a state dinner with the royal family in a Dior gown.

A layer of semi-sheer fabric covered the gown’s scooped neckline, forming points on the top of the bodice before transitioning into white fabric. The dress hugged her figure before flaring slightly at her waist.

Melania wore white, elbow-length gloves with the dress. The look was fitting for dining with royalty.

She appeared to take a page out of Kate Middleton’s fashion book when she and the president hosted the royals for dinner during the same trip.


Donald and Melania Trump in June 2019.

Donald and Melania Trump in June 2019.

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Ahead of a dinner at Winfield House, where the American ambassador to the UK lives, Melania was photographed in a red Givenchy gown.

Melania’s floor-length dress was sleeveless and featured a built-in cape, a silhouette Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, often favors.

Melania’s yellow and pink outfit in December 2019 was almost too colorful.


Donald and Melania Trump in December 2019.

Donald and Melania Trump in December 2019.

Victoria Jones/Getty Images

During another visit to the UK in December 2019, Melania stepped out in a high-neck, cape coat from Valentino. The coat was mustard yellow, and Melania paired it with a pink dress and coordinating pumps.

The jacket was a big statement in and of itself, so the look would have been more effective if the first lady had worn a more neutral color with it than bright pink.

Melania’s black-and-white look for the Daytona 500 in February 2020 was stylish.


Donald and Melania Trump at the Daytona 500 in February 2020.

Donald and Melania Trump at the Daytona 500 in February 2020.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Melania’s black Dior sundress was fairly simple. The midi-length dress featured a V-neckline and a white, dotted pattern.

The white lace belt from Alaïa and white Christian Louboutin pumps she wore with the dress made the look cohesive, and she also added sunglasses to the outfit.

The look balanced Melania’s personal style and traditional first lady attire.

A pink dress Melania wore during the virtual Republican National Convention in August 2020 would have been better without the bow detailing.


Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Melania appeared alongside Trump in a hot-pink midi-dress from Jason Wu at the 2020 RNC.

The dress featured a boat neckline and a flared skirt, and two black bows sat on the waistline, which appeared to be cinched with elastic. Melania wore black pumps with the dress.

The bows on the dress could have been chic, but they looked a bit crumpled throughout the night, particularly because they sat atop the ruched waistline and contrasted so heavily with the pink fabric. The dress would have been a better fit if there had been just one or no bows on the waistline.

She wore a pleated dress at the 2020 RNC, but the green color felt out of place.


Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

Donald and Melania Trump in August 2020.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Melania wore a cape dress to close out the RNC, choosing a neon-green piece from Valentino.

The ankle-length, high-neck dress was covered in vertical pleats and featured two swaths of fabric flowing out from her shoulders like a cape. She added a thin pink belt and pink pumps to the outfit.

The silhouette was beautiful, but the green color was an odd choice for the RNC. Vanity Fair reported that it allowed social-media users to easily make memes out of the outfit using green screen technology.

If she had worn the dress in a different color, Melania’s look would have been a slam dunk.

In November 2020, Melania wore a gingham coat that featured a stylish, built-in scarf.


Melania Trump in November 2020.

Melania Trump in November 2020.

NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

Melania oversaw the delivery of the 2020 White House Christmas tree in a gingham coat from Balenciaga.

The loose-fitting coat featured an off-center line of buttons, and the collar formed a scarf that wrapped around one of Melania’s shoulders. Quarter-length sleeves showed off the first lady’s black gloves, just as the knee-length hem spotlighted her black boots from Alaïa.

The look was effortlessly chic.

Melania’s final outfit as first lady in January 2021 offered a full-circle moment.


Donald and Melania Trump in January 2021.

Donald and Melania Trump in January 2021.

ALEX EDELMAN / AFP / Getty Images

When Trump left office in January 2021, Melania chose to wear an all-black outfit.

She paired a form-fitting Dolce & Gabbana dress with a cropped Chanel coat, gloves, Christian Louboutin pumps, and dark sunglasses.

The look seemed to nod to Jackie Kennedy, just as her first outfit as first lady did. However, the darker hues spoke to the more somber tone of the day for the Trumps.

Melania also made headlines for changing into a beachy dress before arriving at Mar-a-Lago later in the day.

When she returned to the White House on January 20, Melania set a new tone as first lady.


Melania Trump and Donald Trump on Inauguration Day 2025.

Melania Trump and Donald Trump on Inauguration Day 2025.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Rather than wearing another pastel look to mark the beginning of her husband’s second term as president, Melania donned navy and white for the 2025 inauguration.

Adam Lippes designed her coat, which she paired with a white scarf, navy pumps, and a custom boater-style hat from Eric Javits. Boater hats are typically worn in summer, but the wool piece Melania wore offered a winter version.

Although the hat got some negative attention online as people compared it to the one the Hamburglar or V in “V For Vendetta” wore, Melania’s inaugural outfit was a savvy choice. The look set a serious tone, blending professional style with Melania’s personal taste.

Melania also managed to pull attention from Trump with the look, which was a feat considering how many eyes he had on him throughout the day.

And her custom dress for the 2025 inaugural balls had a modern edge.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump onstage at the 2025 Inaugural Ball, with a screen showing red, white, and blue lights behind them. He's wearing a black tux, and she's wearing a white strapless gown with a black strip of fabric zig-zagging across the bodice and straight down the skirt,

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the 2025 inaugural ball.

Jim WATSON / AFP

Melania opted for another custom Hervé Pierre dress for the 2025 inaugural balls, arriving in a black-and-white dress that felt like a continuation of the fashion story she started with the look she wore during the day.

The strapless dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a zig-zag of black fabric adorned the bodice before framing a slit on one side of the skirt.

A coordinating choker with a brooch completed the stylish gown.

Melania’s trench coat for the 2025 Easter celebration went against tradition.


The Trumps at the 2025 Easter celebration at the White House.

The Trumps at the 2025 Easter celebration at the White House.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Traditionally, Easter fashion calls for pastel tones and festive prints like gingham, allowing people to have fun with their outfits.

However, Melania arrived at the 2025 Easter Egg Roll at the White House in a simple cream trench coat from Mackage and heels designed by Roger Vivier.

The subdued look was a shift from Melania’s more colorful outfits for previous Easter celebrations at the White House. Likewise, Mackage, a brand founded and headquartered in Canada, was a surprising choice for the first lady, given the ongoing trade dispute between the US and its northern neighbor.

Later that month, the first lady wisely chose an outfit made by Italian designers for Pope Francis’ funeral.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Pope Francis' funeral in April 2025.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Pope Francis’ funeral in April 2025.

Salvatore Laporta/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images

Melania joined her husband at Pope Francis’ funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

She wore a black coatdress designed by Dolce & Gabbana for the occasion, as well as lace gloves and a lace veil from the fashion house.

Wearing an Italian designer was fitting for the occasion since the Catholic Church is based in the country, though Melania also favors Dolce & Gabbana when she isn’t in Italy.

Melania wore a pretty yet pricey dress to see “Les Misérables” at the Kennedy Center in June.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at The Kennedy Center in June 2025.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Kennedy Center in June 2025.

Shannon Finney/Getty Images

Melania chose a $3,900 Bottega Veneta dress for the show.

The dress had an asymmetrical neckline and gold detailing on the shoulder and waist. Melania paired the designer gown with silver and gold Christian Louboutin pumps.

The dress was pretty, but Melania’s black and white looks for Trump’s second term are starting to feel a bit repetitive. A pop of color could have made the dress stand out more.

A few days later, she wore an American designer for the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Army 250th Anniversary Parade.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended the Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025.

DOUG MILLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Melania appeared alongside Trump at the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade in Washington, DC, wearing another suit from Adam Lippes.

Both her $2,490 jacket and $1,190 skirt were cream-colored, with a subtle navy pinstripe pattern. The double-breasted jacket and pencil skirt had a looser, relaxed fit.

Blue Christian Louboutin heels completed the ensemble.

Melania wore another stylish striped look at a meeting at the White House in September.


Melania Trump attends a meeting at the White House in September 2025.

Melania Trump attends a meeting at the White House in September 2025.

Brian Snyder/Reuters

On September 4, Melania attended a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence Education.

She wore a soft gray linen suit that featured white pinstripes. The jacket was oversized, and the pants were wide-legged. The first lady added structure to the look with a fitted white T-shirt and a white belt.

Stilettos completed the chic menswear look.

The bright yellow dress she wore to a state banquet at Windsor Castle was memorable, but it looked slightly out of place at a dinner with royals.


Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump standing side-by-side in an ornately decorated room.

Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump, and Melania Trump at St George’s Hall for a state banquet.

Doug Mills/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.

On September 16, the president and first lady arrived in the UK for a state visit. The following evening, they attended a state banquet with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other members of the royal family.

Melania wore a bright yellow dress designed by Carolina Herrera to the dinner. The dress had an off-the-shoulder neckline, a column skirt, and a slit on the side. She added even more color to the ensemble with a wide, purple belt and bright green, dangly earrings.

It was nice to see Melania add some color to her wardrobe in 2025, but the bright hue and belt made the dress look a bit too casual for the event. The silhouette was pretty, but the first lady may have been better off wearing the gown in a more subdued color.

Later the same month, Melania wore a chic white suit, but a different top could have improved it.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive at the White House in September 2025.

President Donald Trump and Melania Trump arrive at the White House in September 2025.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

On September 23, Melania accompanied the president on a visit to the UN General Assembly, wearing a white blazer and tailored pants from Dolce & Gabbana.

The suit was a strong choice, as the contrast of the long blazer and cropped pants felt professional and chic, and the cream Christian Louboutin shoes she paired with the look were stylish, too.

However, the camel-colored blouse from Max Mara that she wore with the suit was almost too close to Melania’s skin tone. The look would have popped more with a different colored shirt.

Melania could have worn a more festive look for the 2025 Halloween celebration at the White House.


President Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House on Halloween 2025.

President Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House on Halloween 2025.

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

When the president and first lady passed out candy at the White House on Halloween, neither opted to wear a costume. Instead, Melania donned a wool coat from Marni, which nodded to the holiday with orange trim on the collar, pockets, and lining.

She wore the khaki-colored coat buttoned to the collar, and it cinched at her waist with a thick belt — one of her go-to silhouettes. She paired the coat with taupe Manolo Blahnik heels.

While the orange aspects of the look had a subtle Halloween feel, the outfit just didn’t feel festive enough for the holiday, especially when compared to the plethora of decorations covering the White House for the event. Melania would have made a stronger statement in a full orange coat or a black and orange look.

For dinner at the White House in November 2025, Melania chose an elegant green gown.


Melania Trump at the White House in November 2025.

Melania Trump at the White House in November 2025.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

On November 18, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, dined at the White House during his visit to the US.

Melania donned a $3,350 Elie Saab dress for the occasion. The deep-green dress featured a strapless neckline, and ruching on both the bodice and the skirt added texture. A slit broke up the floor-length skirt, and Melania completed the look with black heels and sparkly earrings.

Every bit of Melania’s look seemed designed to welcome Crown Prince Mohammed. The dress was similar in color to Saudi Arabia’s national flag, seeming to nod to the nation. Plus, in November 2024, Elie Saab marked 45 years of his brand with “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab,” a massive fashion show held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Her sparkly dress for a New Year’s Eve celebration in December 2025 was a nice change of pace.


Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025.

Donald and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Melania celebrated the end of 2025 at Trump’s annual party at Mar-a-Lago wearing a sparkly, silver gown.

Designed by The New Arrivals, the $1,450 dress was sleeveless, with a scooped neckline, hugging Melania’s figure as it flowed into a midi-length skirt. She paired the dress with bedazzled Christian Louboutin shoes and loose waves.

The look was festive and fitting for Florida weather, offering a refreshing change from her more subdued style.

Melania’s black ensemble for the premiere of her documentary was lackluster.


Melania Trump attends the premiere of

Melania Trump attends the premiere of “Melania” in January 2026.

Taylor Hill/WireImage/Getty Images

The first lady attended the premiere of her documentary “Melania” in a Dolce & Gabbana skirt suit.

Black buttons lined the center of the jacket, which was cinched at Melania’s waist with a black belt. The column skirt hit her mid-calf, spotlighting her black pumps.

The outfit might have been fine for any number of first lady engagements, but it felt too understated for the premiere of her film.

A black gown with a professional flair may have been more appropriate for the occasion.

Melania looked underdressed for a White House dinner in February 2026.


Donald and Melania Trump arrive at the National Governors Association Evening Dinner in February 2026.

Donald and Melania Trump arrive at the National Governors Association Evening Dinner in February 2026.

Al Drago/Getty Images

Trump invited only Republican governors to the National Governors Association dinner, which was held in the East Room of the White House on February 21.

The event seemed to have a formal dress code, as indicated by most attendees’ ensembles. The president and other men in attendance wore tuxedos, while women, including Usha Vance, wore gowns. Melania, though, went more casual for the event.

She paired silver, patterned Dolce & Gabbana pants with a black blouse that had tie detailing. Metallic pumps and shiny earrings completed the outfit.

Melania’s look may have been a good choice for a girls’ night, but it wasn’t fancy enough for a formal dinner at the White House. A gown with the same texture as her pants would have been a better choice.

Her dark suit for the 2026 State of the Union address was a solid choice.


Melania Trump wore a pantsuit to the State of the Union.

Melania Trump wore a pantsuit to the State of the Union.

SAUL LOEB / AFP

After wearing the designer to the dinner at the White House, Melania tapped Dolce & Gabbana again for her State of the Union look.

She wore a deep charcoal suit from the brand, featuring a tailored jacket and wide-legged pants. She kept the look simple, pairing it with a white blouse, black Manolo Blahnik pumps, and stud earrings.

The outfit struck a nice balance between simplicity and luxury.




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‘Melania’ actually crushed it at the box office this weekend

A glimpse into Melania Trump’s often-obscured personal life has drawn at least some fans to the box office, earning over $7 million during the opening weekend.

Data from The Numbers, a movie financial analysis website, shows that “Melania: Twenty Days to History” is far and away the highest-grossing documentary of 2026 so far.

By comparison, “Holding Liat,” a documentary released in January, is the second highest earner at $28,000 as of Sunday, according to The Numbers.

One of the highest-grossing documentaries of 2025 was “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” which earned about $10.4 million at the domestic box office.

“It proves that an original idea which is executed with deliberate beauty is embraced by fans and moviegoers, regardless of political affiliation,” Marc Beckman, Melania’s senior advisor and agent, told Business Insider in a statement.

The documentary, which premiered on January 30, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the days leading up to President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration from the first lady’s perspective. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million to license the documentary and an additional docuseries on Prime Video. Brett Ratner, known for the “Rush Hour” franchise before sexual misconduct allegations derailed his career in 2017, directed the documentary.

“With exclusive footage of critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, ‘Melania’ showcases Mrs. Trump’s return to one of the world’s most powerful roles,” an Amazon press release said.

Despite the early box-office sales, the film has earned less-than-stellar reviews from critics and was review-bombed on Letterboxd. Business Insider’s Peter Kafka described the documentary as “dull,” but said that it could resonate with superfans of the Trump family.

“The best way I can describe this one is something akin to a wedding video: Maybe the subjects of the video will want to watch it (Melania looks, unsurprisingly, like a woman who used to be a model; her husband seems notably more spry than he does now, a year after it was filmed),” Kafka wrote. “It’s hard to imagine anyone else will.”




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12 details you might have missed in Melania Trump’s documentary

  • Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania: Twenty Days to History,” premiered in theaters on January 30.
  • It follows Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to the 2025 inauguration.
  • The “very private” first lady was deeply involved in the film’s creation, producer Marc Beckman told Business Insider.

First lady Melania Trump is no stranger to cameras, but this time, she’s the one calling the shots.

Her new documentary, “Melania: Twenty Days to History,” provides a glimpse into her life and work during the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.

It was released in theaters on Friday. After its theatrical run, “Melania” will stream on Amazon, which paid $40 million for the film and a forthcoming docuseries set for release this summer.

The first lady served as both its star and producer.

“She’s a very private and very selective person as to who she speaks to and what she does,” Marc Beckman, Melania Trump’s senior advisor and a producer of the film, told Business Insider. “We thought that this would be the appropriate opportunity to share a little bit more, to open the lens a little bit more into her family life, her career, and her philanthropy, all as she becomes first lady of the United States of America again.”

Beckman said that the first lady was deeply involved in the film’s creation.

“She participated not just with the creative direction, but in production and post-production,” Beckman said. “She was in the edit room. She was helping with color correction. She was very much involved with music selection — every song was selected by her.”

Critics largely panned “Melania” for not offering major revelations and for lacking journalistic rigor due to Trump’s oversight. Instead, they felt like it largely focused on surface-level moments from her life.

Still, there were some new details we learned about Trump’s life from the documentary, from how she left her mark on her husband’s inaugural address to insight into her favorite musical artists, and there were some surprising cameos.

Melania Trump is a Michael Jackson fan.

Melania Trump listens to Michael Jackson in the car.

PRAKASH SINGH/AFP via Getty Images

The film opens with “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson playing over aerial footage of Mar-a-Lago. The song reappears later as Melania Trump sings along while riding in the car and names it her favorite Michael Jackson hit.

She described Mar-a-Lago as her “refuge from the outside world, a place where I can exhale.”


Mar-a-Lago.

Mar-a-Lago.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

“Melania” follows Melania Trump as she divides her time between Trump Tower in New York City, Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Washington, DC.

The Florida estate holds special meaning for the first lady, who remembers it as the place “where Baron took his swim lessons with his grandfather, played golf with his father, and took his first tennis lesson with me.”

At President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, Melania Trump was also mourning the first anniversary of her mother’s death.


Donald and Melania Trump at Jimmy Carter's funeral.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

Haiyun Jiang/Pool/Getty Images

Carter’s funeral was held on January 9, 2025, one year to the day after the death of Melania Trump’s mother, Amalija Knavs.

“Grief comes in waves when you lose someone who means so much to you. I will be sitting in the Washington Cathedral, paying respect to President Carter, but I know my beloved mother will be on my mind,” she said in the film’s voiceover.

During a dress fitting, designer Herve Pierre revealed a closer look at her inauguration gown, which he constructed with no visible seams.


Donald Trump and Melania Trump at an inaugural ball.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at an inaugural ball.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

In the film, Pierre said the seams on the dress were entirely hidden beneath the black band zigzagging across it.

“You don’t give the recipe,” he said. “It’s like a mystery.”

First lady Brigitte Macron of France made a surprise cameo in the documentary.


Brigitte Macron and Melania Trump.

Brigitte Macron and Melania Trump in 2019.

REGIS DUVIGNAU/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The film showed a video call between Macron and Melania Trump, where they spoke about working together on her Fostering the Future and Be Best initiatives focused on children’s well-being.

“My next step and my next goal is to foster relationships and work on it with like-minded leaders and establish a coalition,” Melania Trump said. “And when we do, I hope you will join me.”

“With pleasure. I go everywhere with you,” Macron said.

The film also featured an appearance by Queen Rania of Jordan.


Queen Rania of Jordan with Melania Trump at the White House in 2017.

Queen Rania of Jordan and Melania Trump.

Pool/Getty Images

In the days leading up to her return to the White House, Melania Trump also recruited Queen Rania of Jordan for her coalition during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago.

The film included a meeting with Aviva Siegel, a released Israeli hostage who was held by Hamas.


Aviva Siegel.

Former Hamas hostage Aviva Siegel.

FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images

Aviva Siegel was held for 51 days before being released on November 26, 2023, as part of a temporary ceasefire deal brokered by the Biden administration. In the documentary, Melania Trump comforted Siegel and pledged Donald Trump’s support for releasing the remaining hostages, including Siegel’s husband, Keith Siegel.

“I know that once he’s commander in chief, I know that’s his priority. I’m sure of it,” Melania Trump said.

One of the final title cards of the film reads: “Melania Trump played a key role in securing the release of Keith Siegel after 484 days as a hostage in Gaza, just 12 days after the inauguration.”

The first lady revealed what she was thinking about right before entering the Capitol Rotunda for the inauguration.


Melania Trump at the Capitol Rotunda.

Melania Trump at the Capitol Rotunda on Inauguration Day.

Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images

“Walking into the Capitol Rotunda, I felt the weight of history intertwined with my own journey as an immigrant — a reminder of why I respect this nation so deeply,” she said in the film’s narration. “Everyone should do what they can to protect our individual rights. Never take them for granted because in the end, no matter where we come from, we are bound by the same humanity.”

As the first naturalized US citizen to serve as first lady, Melania Trump has previously spoken about her “arduous” pathway to citizenship.

She said she was “relieved” when the inaugural parade was moved indoors to the Capitol One Arena.


Melania Trump at Capital One Arena.

Melania Trump at the Capital One Arena.

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Though the move was due to frigid temperatures in Washington, DC, on Inauguration Day, Melania Trump said she preferred an indoor space for security reasons after her husband survived an assassination attempt in July 2024.

“Being in a more secure and closed space brought a certain peace of mind,” she said.

Melania Trump contributed to Donald Trump’s inaugural address.


Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address.

Donald Trump’s inaugural address.

SHAWN THEW/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

In a scene toward the end of the film, Donald Trump was shown practicing an inauguration speech as Melania Trump watched.

“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker,” he said.

“And unifier,” Melania added.

Her addition made it into the final draft of Donald Trump’s inauguration speech.

The film ends with a behind-the-scenes look at Melania Trump’s official White House portrait shot by photographer Régine Mahaux.


Melania Trump's official White House portrait.

Melania Trump’s official White House portrait.

Régine Mahaux/The White House

Mahaux, who has photographed the Trump family for over 20 years, describes Melania Trump as “very reserved, but deeply intentional.”

“I think what people don’t always see in her is a curiosity that she has for the world,” she told Business Insider. “I think the documentary reflects her sense of duty, her discipline.”

Mahaux also took Melania Trump’s White House portrait during Donald Trump’s first term in 2017.

“The first portrait was about discovering her new duty and her new role, and now this time, the portrait was an affirmation,” Mahaux said. “She really knew what she was. She was really embracing it and ready to get to work.”




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