Melania Trump Launches Muse Films, Kicks Off $40M Hollywood Documentary Era

In a move that’s as understated as it is intriguing, First Lady Melania Trump has quietly stepped into the world of film production, announcing the creation of her own company, Muse Films, on November 28.

Shared via a sleek 10-second video on her personal X account, the reveal featured the company’s minimalist black-and-silver logo set against a dramatic orchestral score— a far cry from the bombastic unveilings typical of Trump family ventures.

This low-key launch aligns with Melania’s long-standing preference for discretion amid the glare of political life, yet it signals a bold pivot toward creative control over her narrative, especially as her self-titled documentary, MELANIA, gears up for a global theatrical debut on January 30, 2026.

The timing couldn’t be more poignant: just weeks before the film’s release, Melania is positioning herself not just as a subject, but as a producer and tastemaker in an industry often skeptical of political figures. With Amazon MGM Studios footing a reported $40 million bill for distribution rights— the highest ever for a documentary— this isn’t mere vanity; it’s a calculated entry into Hollywood’s elite circles, potentially reshaping how former (and current) first ladies wield influence post-White House.

The Subtle Spectacle: A Trump Announcement Like No Other

Melania’s X post was brevity incarnate: “PRESENTING: MUSE FILMS. My new production company. MELANIA, the film, exclusively in theaters worldwide on January 30th, 2026.”

Accompanied by the teaser video, it racked up over 20,000 likes and millions of views within hours, sparking a mix of congratulations from supporters and raised eyebrows from critics. Unlike the grand ribbon-cuttings or press conferences that marked openings like Trump-branded hotels or golf courses— often attended by the full family, including Donald, Ivanka, and Eric— this felt intimately personal.

The name “Muse Films” is a clever callback to Melania’s Secret Service codename during Donald Trump’s first term, evoking themes of inspiration and quiet power.

It’s unclear if the company will operate independently or link to the two existing entities sharing the name: a Latvian Amazon subsidiary focused on e-commerce visuals or the American outfit behind cult classics like The Virgin Suicides, American Psycho, and Spring Breakers.Either way, Melania’s Muse promises to blend high-stakes biography with polished storytelling, starting with her own story.

This venture builds on her post-memoir momentum. Her 2024 book, Melania, a New York Times bestseller, offered glimpses into her Slovenian roots, modeling days, and White House years. Now, with Muse Films, she’s extending that authorship to the screen, hinting at a broader slate that could explore women’s empowerment, family legacies, or even global diplomacy— themes she’s championed through initiatives like the Be Best campaign against cyberbullying.

Behind the Lens: MELANIA as Muse Films’ Flagship Project

At the heart of this launch is MELANIA, a feature-length documentary directed by Brett Ratner that Amazon MGM Studios acquired in a deal finalized just before Trump’s second inauguration in January

The film promises “unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration—through the eyes of the First Lady-elect herself,” capturing Melania orchestrating events, navigating White House logistics, and guiding her family— including son Barron and husband Donald— back into the public eye.

Exclusive footage of high-level meetings, candid family moments, and never-before-seen settings at Mar-a-Lago, Trump Tower, and D.C. locales will peel back the layers of a woman often dubbed the “enigmatic” first lady.

Melania serves as executive producer alongside Fernando Sulichin of New Element Media, with filming kicking off in December 2024 amid the post-election buzz.

The $40 million price tag— reportedly netting Melania 70%— dwarfs typical doc budgets, underscoring Amazon’s strategic olive branch to the incoming administration. Jeff Bezos, whose Washington Post had clashed with Trump, attended the inauguration and pledged $1 million to the inaugural fund, smoothing ties strained by years of feuds.

Critics like James Carville have called the sum “breathtaking,” questioning if it’s more investment in access than art.
Complementing the film is a three-part docuseries delving deeper into those transitional weeks, set for Prime Video post-theatrical run.

Expect cameos from Donald Trump and Barron, adding familial warmth to what could otherwise be a high-gloss political chronicle. Melania teased the project at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards in November 2025, where she received “Patriot of the Year,” describing it as a “first-of-its-kind” window into her “incredibly busy” life.

Brett Ratner’s Comeback: Controversy in the Director’s Chair

Ratner’s involvement adds layers of intrigue and irony. The Rush Hour and X-Men: The Last Stand director, sidelined since 2017 amid #MeToo allegations from six women—including Olivia Munn and Natasha Henstridge—marks his first major project in nearly a decade. Accusations ranged from harassment to assault (which he denies), leading Warner Bros. to sever ties and halting his RatPac-Dune slate.

Yet, Ratner’s Trump connections run deep: His 2011 film Tower Heist filmed at Trump properties, and he’s socialized at Mar-a-Lago events. Friends say documentaries offered a low-barrier reentry, and this one aligns with his reported Abraham Accords project.

The pairing of Melania— a poised advocate for women’s issues— with Ratner has fueled debate. Is it a tone-deaf Hollywood rehabilitation, or pragmatic dealmaking in a post-#MeToo landscape where alliances shift? Supporters see it as Ratner’s redemption arc; detractors, as emblematic of power’s selective memory. Either way, it spotlights how Trump’s orbit is reshaping cultural gatekeeping.

Model to Mogul – Melania’s Media Empire in the Making

Melania’s trajectory from Slovenian model (discovered at 16, gracing Vogue by 1996) to first lady to film producer mirrors a broader trend: political spouses monetizing their stories in the streaming age.

Think Michelle Obama’s Netflix deal or the Bidens’ book empire— but Melania’s feels distinctly controlled, a rebuttal to years of scrutiny over her accent, “I REALLY DON’T CARE” jacket, or body-double conspiracies.

By executive-producing MELANIA, she’s authoring her legacy on her terms, potentially humanizing the “ghost” first lady narrative from Trump’s first term, where she spent limited White House days.

Politically, this could amplify her influence. Amid reports of family tensions (like her reported clash with Eric over Barron comments), Muse Films offers an independent platform for advocacy— perhaps docs on child welfare or immigrant success stories, echoing her roots.

Economically, the Amazon tie-in is savvy: With Prime Video’s 200 million subscribers, it’s a global megaphone, and the theatrical push signals Oscar ambitions for docs.

Public reaction? Polarized, as expected. Fans hail it as “empowering,” with comments like “Wild how you went from First Lady to leading your own studio without missing a frame.” Detractors mock it as a “White House grift,” tying it to Trump business norms. Yet, in a divided media landscape, MELANIA could bridge divides, offering rare intimacy into a role that’s historically opaque.

Muse Films’ Next Acts
As MELANIA heads to theaters— followed by Prime Video streaming— Muse Films teases a future of “unique stories” from a woman who’s navigated supermodel runways, Mar-a-Lago galas, and global summits. Will it greenlight biopics on trailblazing women, or delve into Trump’s inner circle? Speculation abounds, but one thing’s clear: Melania Trump, at 55, is far from fading into the background.

This launch isn’t just a business move; it’s a masterclass in reinvention, proving that even in the Trump saga’s shadow, one can script her own spotlight. As the credits roll on inauguration retrospectives, the real plot twist might be what Muse Films conjures next.