The premiere of MELANIA, a new documentary centered on First Lady Melania Trump, took place on January 29 at the newly rebranded Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., with Donald Trump by her side. The event drew members of the Trump administration and a handful of celebrities, marking Melania’s long-anticipated public moment tied to the film, which chronicles the 20 days surrounding Trump’s return to the White House. Speaking to reporters, Melania emphasized that commercial success was not her goal, describing the project as a “creative experience” rather than a traditional documentary and saying she already considers it a personal success regardless of public reaction. Trump echoed his support, calling the film “glamorous,” while also deflecting criticism over Amazon’s reported $40 million deal by taking a swipe at former President Barack Obama.

Despite the high-profile setting, many observers focused less on who attended than who didn’t. None of Trump’s children were present at the premiere, including Barron Trump, whom he shares with Melania, or Eric and Ivanka Trump from his marriage to Ivana Trump. Their absence sparked speculation and commentary online, especially as reports surfaced suggesting weak ticket sales in some theaters ahead of the film’s wide release. While Trump claimed the movie was “selling out fast,” social media users shared screenshots showing empty seat maps at certain locations. Still, the premiere underscored Melania Trump’s attempt to shape her own narrative—confident, self-contained, and unconcerned with critics—even as public attention continued to swirl around both the film’s reception and the dynamics within the Trump family.