What We Learned - and Didn't - From the Melania Documentary
From televised cabinet meetings to late-night posts on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump has kept himself in the spotlight since resuming office. Yet, his wife Melania Trump often remains behind the scenes. In response to the public's questions about her absence, Melania herself co-produced a documentary titled Melania: 20 Days to History, which presents an intimate glimpse into her life leading up to her husband's January 2025 inauguration.
The film premiered in U.S. cinemas amid controversy. Critics have derided the project's funding and deemed its release timing as insensitive, coinciding with nationwide protests against police brutality following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Despite political commentary, viewers hoping to learn about Melania's daily activities may leave disappointed, as much of the footage depicts her commuting to events, attending fashion meetings, and navigating public appearances, with few substantial insights into her personal life.
Smaller, unscripted moments in the film reveal Melania's approach to her husband's second term, along with glimpses into her relationships with friends and associates. In the opening voiceover, she asserts, Everyone wants to know, so here it is; however, the depth of her revelations is mixed. On one hand, Melania shares candid reflections about the grief she feels after losing her mother, who passed away in January 2024. On the other, she continues to be evasive about her personal predilections and the political landscape surrounding her husband.
The presentation of the documentary has garnered a mixed reception, being lauded as a typical approach of celebrities asserting their narratives, yet severely criticized for its connections to the Trump administration and its political implications. At a recent showing in Washington D.C., the audience comprised mainly older supporters who cheered throughout. Meanwhile, critics on the other side accused the project of being out of touch, especially given the ongoing civil protests.
Ultimately, Melania's documentary oscillates between a personal portrayal and a politically charged narrative, questioning to what extent it reveals the true story behind an enigmatic figure in American politics and why she chose this method to present her viewpoint on her role as First Lady.
