Melania Trump drew backlash this weekend after hosting a private White House screening of her upcoming documentary, “Melania,” as Minneapolis grappled with further unrest, Alex Pretti was killed by a federal agent (the second such death in the city in recent weeks) and a major winter storm threatened large swathes of the country.
The lavish do, scheduled before the shooting, featured a high-profile guest list that included Apple CEO Tim Cook, former boxer Mike Tyson and self-help guru Tony Robbins, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The film’s director, Brett Ratner, who has denied multiple sexual misconduct allegations made during the #MeToo movement, was also in attendance.
As was Donald Trump and the couple’s youngest son, Barron Trump.
Following the event, Melania Trump shared a post on X saying she was “deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night.”
She wrote, “Each of these individuals brought their unique vision to the world, making a lasting impression. Our personal stories endure time and serve as a reminder of our mutual obligation to one another. It was an honor to present my new film, MELANIA, ahead of its global launch.”
Critics, however, questioned whether the event should have gone ahead, given the circumstances.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) wrote on X: “Today DHS assassinated a VA nurse in the street, Bondi is attempting to extort voter files, and half the country is bracing on the eve of a potentially crippling ice storm with FEMA gutted. So what is the President up to? Having a movie night at the White House. He’s unfit.”
Even former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis condemned the screening.
She wrote on X: “I have deep respect for the First Lady and have been honored to meet her. But this event should have been postponed. With Minneapolis unraveling and Americans demanding leadership, this feels disconnected from reality. Disturbing echoes of 2020.”
See more criticism below.
Amazon MGM Studios reportedly paid $40 million for the rights to the documentary and is said to be spending an additional $35 million on promotion. The film is scheduled for release in theatres this Friday before streaming on Amazon Prime.
According to promotional materials, the film “offers unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration — through the eyes of the First Lady herself.”
