From stilettos to safety concerns on Inauguration Day: 4 takeaways from Melania Trump’s new movie

WASHINGTON — The new documentary “Melania” offers viewers unprecedented access to First Lady Melania Trump’s transition back to her White House role, following her during the 20 days before she resumed her position last year.

The film, which opened Friday in theaters worldwide, begins with a striking close-up of Mrs. Trump’s trademark stilettos as she walks through Mar-a-Lago in early January 2025. Cameras follow her journey from Palm Beach to New York and Washington as she prepares to return to public life.

“With this film, I want to show the American people my journey,” says the normally private First Lady, who narrates the nearly two-hour documentary that provides a rare glimpse into her daily life and decision-making process.

Throughout the film, Melania Trump demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, particularly regarding her inaugural attire. In multiple fitting sessions, the former fashion model is seen requesting precise adjustments to her inaugural coat and hat. During one scene, she asks for the coat to be tightened around her hips, while in another, she insists that the black trim on her strapless gown for the inaugural balls be positioned perfectly straight.

Her perfectionism extends to event planning, as viewers observe her reviewing arrangements for a pre-inaugural candlelight dinner for President Trump’s donors. She carefully examines everything from the invitations to the presentation of caviar served in golden eggs. The film also captures her working with an interior designer to furnish the White House’s private living quarters, including requesting a larger bed for her son Barron, who has grown considerably since the Trump family’s first White House residency.

The documentary highlights Mrs. Trump’s diplomatic engagements, including a video call with French First Lady Brigitte Macron to discuss children’s initiatives and a meeting with Queen Rania of Jordan. A particularly poignant scene shows her sit-down with Aviva Siegel, who had been held hostage by Hamas militants following the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. According to the film’s credits, Mrs. Trump played a significant role in securing the release of Siegel’s husband, who was still in captivity at the time of their meeting.

Security concerns feature prominently in the documentary, reflecting the reality of returning to the White House following two assassination attempts on President Trump during his campaign. In one revealing scene, Mrs. Trump attends a meeting with Secret Service officials to review Inauguration Day plans. When told there would be opportunities to exit the presidential limousine and walk along Pennsylvania Avenue during the parade, she pointedly asks, “Is it safe?” Appearing unconvinced by the response, she notes that Barron would definitely remain in the vehicle.

President Trump ultimately moved the traditional outdoor inauguration ceremony indoors due to extremely cold weather, with the parade relocated to Capital One Arena. “It was a practical decision,” Mrs. Trump narrates, before adding candidly, “But in truth, I was relieved.”

The First Lady expresses her desire to modernize her role beyond the traditional “social duties” typically associated with the position. The documentary itself represents a departure from precedent, as presidents and first ladies generally wait until leaving office before pursuing such commercial projects to avoid potential ethics concerns.

The film, announced before the Trumps’ return to the White House, reportedly resulted from a $40 million deal with AmazonMGM Studios—a relationship that has raised eyebrows given Amazon’s extensive government contracts and co-founder Jeff Bezos’s apparent efforts to improve relations with President Trump.

Mrs. Trump’s approach to the First Lady role continues to break with tradition in other ways. During President Trump’s first term, she remained in New York for several months so Barron could complete his school year—an unusual arrangement for a First Lady. In the current term, she has split her time between Washington, New York and Florida, dedicating significant time to completing this documentary.

The film offers a carefully curated window into the life of one of America’s most enigmatic first ladies, balancing personal revelations with her characteristic reserve.