OAN Staff Sophia Flores
12:10 PM – Friday, January 30, 2026
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a high-profile appearance at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the anticipated Thursday premiere of her new film, “MELANIA.”
“I think people will enjoy the movie,” remarked the first lady at the boisterous premiere.
The one-hour, 44-minute film provides an exclusive view of Mrs. Trump’s transition from private citizen to first lady of the United States, for the second time. It also chronicles the 20 days leading to the 2025 inauguration and her time spent between Palm Beach, Florida, New York, and finally, Washington, D.C.
The film offers a rare glimpse into the logistical complexities of the presidential transition, highlighting the strict protocol that prevents a new commander-in-chief’s personal belongings from entering the White House until the inauguration begins — leaving a frantic four-to-six-hour window for the move.
Beyond the logistics, viewers see a hands-on side of the first lady as she interviews incoming staff, oversees the design of prestigious inaugural events, and advances her “Be Best” initiative through high-level diplomatic meetings with world leaders.
Marking her debut as a filmmaker, the first lady served as executive producer for the project, a collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and her newly launched production company, Muse Films.
The premiere drew a crowd of high-profile VIPs, all gathered to support the first woman in her position to anchor her own feature documentary film.
“I hope they get to see what I see,” U.S. attorney Alina Habba commented. “She is incredibly astute. She is incredibly involved. She does everything with grace. She has taken the punches right next to him (President Trump) and always held herself out with such grace. And I’m happy that for a woman who’s a girl boss, who’s literally a legend, and should have been on the cover of Vogue, she’s going to have her time to shine.”
“I consider her a good friend,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “She is the kindest, smartest, most wonderful friend, obviously very private, and just does it her way. So, I think we get to see a little bit of that in the movie tonight.”
Rollins explained that the first couple, who recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary, is “such a good match” because the first lady is “almost like President Trump,” with her strong vision and decisiveness. “She’s just going to do it her way,” she added.
“She’s coming out and expressing her opinion, and it’s an important one,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters. “She’s a very intelligent woman, and she’s very decent and gracious and humble, and I think she’s a great model and the more she speaks, the better.”
“We are honored to host the red carpet premiere of the highly anticipated premiere, MELANIA,” Trump Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell said in a statement to Fox News. “The First Lady and Honorary Chair of the Trump Kennedy Center is an incredible champion of the Arts and audiences will love the inside look at her journey ahead of President Trump’s second Inauguration. The film showcases her unwavering commitment to service and the enduring American story.”
The premiere took place at the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, which was newly — and controversially — renamed for Trump after he secured funding to restore the facilities. The decision to rename the institution was made by the center’s Board of Trustees.
“MELANIA captures the signature elegance, grace, and strength that define the First Lady, and we are proud to present this captivating film at the Trump Kennedy Center,” Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi said. “Mrs. Trump’s dedication to America is powerfully reflected in this documentary and audiences will undoubtedly leave the theater inspired by this portrait of her poise and purpose. It is a privilege to celebrate her legacy and contributions to the nation at our iconic venue.”
When asked why audiences, including Democrats who don’t support him, should see his wife’s film, President Trump answered, “I think you’ll learn about the White House, you’ll learn about government, a little bit about me — not so much about me, I’m pretty much an open book — but you’ll learn things that are very interesting.”
In his remarks, the president also highlighted the film’s aesthetic appeal, noting that it successfully depicts the “great glamor” synonymous with the first lady’s public image.
“We need a little glamour,” President Trump added. “I like glamour.”
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
