Melania Trump Defends Documentary Movie’s Huge Cost at Premiere

Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner addressed growing questions about the cost of Melania at the documentary’s Kennedy Center premiere. The First Lady and filmmaker responded to scrutiny surrounding the Amazon MGM-backed project, which has drawn attention for its unusually large budget and high-profile release.

Melania Trump and director Brett Ratner discuss the reported cost of their documentary

At the premiere of Melania, director Brett Ratner and First Lady Melania Trump defended the documentary’s reported $75 million budget, consisting of $40 million for production and $35 million for marketing, according to Deadline.

Ratner stated, “I think it’s silly because there’s a feature film and three episodes… We spent more money on music in this than I did on Rush Hour,” referencing the film’s high production value and a crew of 80 on the first day. Melania Trump said, “We achieved what we wanted to achieve for cinematic viewing, in the theaters, and then we have a doc series coming out… So I am very proud of the motion picture.”

The film premiered at the Kennedy Center and will open in 1,500 theaters, accompanied by an extensive marketing campaign, including NFL playoff ads, subway and billboard placements, and black carpet branding with MELANIA in large letters. There was no advance screening for critics, and press was not allowed into the Opera House premiere screening.

Ratner described the theatrical distribution as a success: “Just the fact that Amazon is great to distribute this theatrically.” Melania Trump responded to questions about success by stating, “For myself, it’s already successful, what we did, and it will speak for itself.”

The documentary spans the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second inauguration. On stage at the premiere, Melania clarified the film’s nature: “Some have called this a documentary. It is not. It is a creative experience that offers perspectives, insights and moments.”

President Trump criticized a New York Times reporter for asking whether Amazon’s financial support was a move to gain favor. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel had earlier referred to the film as a “$75 million bribe,” pointing to broader public scrutiny over the production’s funding and intent.

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