Hollywood executives and media gatekeepers may not like it, but Middle America has spoken — and it just delivered a box office win to First Lady Melania Trump.
The documentary “MELANIA”, chronicling her return to the White House and the days leading up to President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, stunned industry watchers by exploding out of the gate with one of the biggest documentary openings in over a decade. Early projections place the film at roughly $8 million domestically in its first weekend, good for third place overall — an extraordinary result for a non-concert documentary in an entertainment market that rarely favors political films, especially conservative ones.
Even more telling is *where* the film succeeded. Reports show particularly strong turnout in rural communities and Trump-supporting regions — the same parts of America routinely dismissed by coastal elites yet powerful enough to drive national cultural momentum when energized.
Released on roughly 1,500 to 1,700 screens, *MELANIA* outperformed several big-budget 2025 studio releases in per-screen efficiency. That includes projects tied to major Hollywood names and prestige franchises. In an era when legacy studios insist conservative audiences don’t support theatrical releases, the film’s performance sends a very different message: Americans are hungry for stories that reflect their values.
Audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers awarded the documentary an A Cinemascore, a rare achievement that signals strong word-of-mouth and repeat interest. One widely shared social media post summed up the mood: “Melania Trump shares her new film, ‘MELANIA’ has the biggest documentary opening in a decade and received an A Cinemascore from audiences.”
The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the First Lady orchestrating inauguration planning, navigating the White House transition, and returning her family to Washington. It promises unprecedented access — private meetings, candid moments, and a portrait of a woman often caricatured by critics but admired by millions.
According to the official description, the documentary invites viewers to “step inside Melania Trump’s world” and witness her preparation for one of the most scrutinized roles on earth. For supporters, it’s a corrective to years of hostile press coverage that painted her as distant or disengaged. The film instead highlights discipline, elegance, and a deep sense of duty.
Not everyone is thrilled about its success. Some fans have reported difficulty leaving positive ratings online, claiming review platforms redirected or blocked five-star submissions. Whether technical glitch or something more intentional, the complaints have only fueled conservative suspicion that cultural institutions remain uncomfortable with Trump-aligned success stories.
President Trump himself publicly praised the film after seeing it for a second time.
“The audience loved it, and so do I. Check it out — A MUST SEE!” he wrote.
Supporters echoed that enthusiasm. Many praised the First Lady’s grace, composure, and quiet patriotism. Others celebrated the soundtrack, standout scenes, and the documentary’s more personal tone.
The broader takeaway is hard to ignore: despite relentless negative media coverage, the Trump brand remains a cultural force. *MELANIA* didn’t just open well — it shattered expectations. It proved once again that when Americans are given the chance to support stories outside Hollywood’s ideological bubble, they show up.
And this time, they showed up in record numbers.
