{"id":355949,"date":"2025-12-18T11:50:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T11:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/355949\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T11:50:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T11:50:10","slug":"melania-trump-drops-new-trailer-for-her-40m-amazon-documentary-the-grift-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/355949\/","title":{"rendered":"Melania Trump drops new trailer for her $40M Amazon documentary: \u2018The grift continues\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Your support helps us to tell the story<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-1uza6dc-0 iCTyfe\">From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it&#8217;s investigating the financials of Elon Musk&#8217;s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, &#8216;The A Word&#8217;, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-1uza6dc-0 iCTyfe\">At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-1uza6dc-0 iCTyfe\">The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.<\/p>\n<p>Your support makes all the difference.Read more<\/p>\n<p>First Lady Melania Trump has shared a new trailer for her controversial documentary to mixed reviews. <\/p>\n<p>Melania, helmed by disgraced director Brett Ratner and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/media\/amazon-melania-trump-documentary-pay-b2675267.html\">licensed by Amazon as part of a reported $40 million deal<\/a>, promises <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/topic\/melania-trump\">a behind-the-scenes look<\/a> at the days leading up to her husband, Donald Trump\u2019s second inauguration. <\/p>\n<p>The first lady posted the clip Wednesday morning. It begins with Melania, in her now famously large, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/world\/americas\/us-politics\/donald-trump-melania-kiss-inauguration-b2683015.html\">wide-brimmed hat in<\/a> the Capitol Rotunda for her husband Donald Trump\u2019s swearing-in ceremony. \u201cHere we go again,\u201d she says to the camera, as it pans around her and a suspenseful soundtrack builds.<\/p>\n<p>The trailer then rapidly moves through clips of the first lady at the White House, Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower in New York City. Viewers are shown President Trump preparing for a speech, saying: \u201cMy proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker,\u201d to which his wife jumps in, adding: \u201cPeacemaker and unifier.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>In a final clip, Melania is seen speaking to her husband on the phone, telling him: \u201cHi, Mr. President. Congratulations.\u201d Donald Trump can be heard replying: \u201cDid you watch it?\u201d to which his wife replies: \u201cI did not. Yeah, I will see it on the news.\u201d <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melania-trailer.png\"  loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The new trailer for Melania, a documentary about the first lady, was released Wednesday to mixed reviews, with fans praising her beauty while critics questioned why the film was even made\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p>open image in gallery<\/p>\n<p>The new trailer for Melania, a documentary about the first lady, was released Wednesday to mixed reviews, with fans praising her beauty while critics questioned why the film was even made (X\/@MELANIATRUMP\/Amazon MGM Studios)<\/p>\n<p>Reactions to the teaser poured in and were split between delighted fans praising the first lady\u2019s beauty and sophistication and critics, one who <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Graceism_\/status\/2001284351867166972\">wrote:<\/a> \u201cWho asked for this?\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have an incredible First Lady,\u201d the White House Rapid Response X account <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RapidResponse47\/status\/2001271400951062835\">wrote<\/a> as it shared the trailer. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also shared the trailer <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/karolineleavitt\/status\/2001279770730914004\">writing:<\/a> \u201cI am so excited for this!\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Disgraced <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/world\/americas\/us-politics\/george-santos-prison-release-trump-trauma-b2847896.html\">former congressman George Santos<\/a>, who was recently pardoned by President Trump, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Georgesantos\/status\/2001291675943960639\">also chimed in:<\/a> \u201cBeyond excited!\u201d <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is going to be incredible!\u201d Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/laurenboebert\/status\/2001293053726703720\">added.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>However, not everyone had such a positive reaction. \u201cThe GRIFT continues,\u201d Tennessee political strategist Chris D. Jackson <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ChrisDJackson\/status\/2001286295029420084\">wrote on X. <\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Melania-trailer-reactions.png\"  loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u201cThe GRIFT continues,\u201d wrote political strategist Chris D. Jackson\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p>open image in gallery<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe GRIFT continues,\u201d wrote political strategist Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson\/X)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe all realize what this is, right? this should be filed under Amazon\u2019s \u2018lobbying expenses,\u2019\u201d Miles Taylor, an appointee in the Department of Homeland Security during the first Trump administration,<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MilesTaylorUSA\/status\/2001312640862212303\"> tweeted. <\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cPeople literally cannot afford food. And the \u2018First Lady\u2019 is making a movie. It\u2019s an unserious time, and our moral compass is smashed,\u201d <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RhonnieF\/status\/2001303236255314115\">wrote <\/a>Rhonda Elaine Foxx, the former Biden campaign director of women\u2019s engagement. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAmazon paid a $40 million bribe for content the White House press office could\u2019ve made (and seemingly did!),\u201d Pod Save America co-host Tommy Vietor <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TVietor08\/status\/2001301677681639889\">commented. <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, another user<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BStreetBurner\/status\/2001287134813016273\"> joked:<\/a> \u201cFirst ever movie to sell 0 tickets.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>The clip reminded some social media users of other movie and TV hits. \u201cIs it just me or is the cinematography giving Succession?\u201d <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/LouisPisano\/status\/2001275337129279538\">journalist Louis Pisano wrote on X. <\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2248825651.jpeg\"  loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Fans of the first lady praised her beauty and sophistication after the trailer was released\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p>open image in gallery<\/p>\n<p>Fans of the first lady praised her beauty and sophistication after the trailer was released (Getty Images)<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/US-POLITICS-HOLIDAY-THANKSGIVING-TURKEY-TRUMP-wx96d7hh.jpeg\"  loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The upcoming documentary promises a behind-the-scenes look at the first lady\u2019s life\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p>open image in gallery<\/p>\n<p>The upcoming documentary promises a behind-the-scenes look at the first lady\u2019s life (AFP\/Getty)<\/p>\n<p>Another user <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/HarrisSockel\/status\/2001292566990344445\">noted<\/a>: \u201cCan\u2019t totally explain but the aesthetic is TITANIC (1997).\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year, it was reported that Amazon spent $40 million to license the film, as well as a two-to-three episode follow-up docuseries about the first lady\u2019s life. <\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s director, Brett Ratner, retreated from <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/arts-entertainment\/films\/news\/brett-ratner-rape-allegations-sues-libel-facebook-melanie-kohler-a8032816.html\">Hollywood in 2018 amid the #MeToo movement<\/a> after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. Ratner has denied allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment.<\/p>\n<p>While Melania largely avoids the political spotlight, the film has promised viewers a behind-the-scenes look at her life. Viewers hoping to get a peek at President Trump and their son, Barron, can also expect brief appearances. <\/p>\n<p>Melania is set to be released exclusively in theaters on January 30, 2026. <\/p>\n<p>It was not immediately clear when the film would be added to Amazon for streaming. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":355950,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[88,206],"class_list":{"0":"post-355949","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-movies","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-movies"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=355949"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/355949\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/355950"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=355949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=355949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=355949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}