The White House held a screening of Amazon MGM Studios’ forthcoming documentary, “Melania,” on Saturday, amidst growing controversy following a shooting incident in Minneapolis involving federal immigration agents. Notable attendees included Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, Barron Trump, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, filmmaker Brett Ratner, and several other prominent figures such as Queen Rania of Jordan, New York Stock Exchange CEO Lynn Martin, and Zoom CEO Eric Yuan. Also in attendance were President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, with Marc Beckman, an adviser to the First Lady, sharing details on social media.
The screening occurred on a day marked by tragedy, as Alex Pretti was shot and killed during an ICE protest in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security claimed Pretti posed a threat to federal agents. However, footage shared on social media contradicted this narrative, showing that an agent retrieved a firearm from Pretti’s belt before any shots were fired, a point highlighted by analyses from major news outlets.
Criticism of the White House’s decision to host the screening surfaced almost immediately. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) condemned the administration for seemingly prioritizing a movie night amid significant national crises, including the recent incident in Minneapolis and concerns over an imminent ice storm.
Directed by Brett Ratner, the documentary focuses on Melania Trump in the weeks leading up to her husband’s inauguration and is set to premiere on January 30. Amazon reportedly invested a substantial $40 million in acquiring the documentary rights, reflecting the production’s anticipated significance.
The black-tie event took place in the East Room of the White House, featuring a giant screen for the film, while the White House’s own movie theater was dismantled during renovations for a new ballroom. A new theater is expected to be part of the renovation project.
Following the event, First Lady Melania Trump expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “I am deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night.” She highlighted the unique visions each guest brought and emphasized the importance of their personal stories.
Even as controversial events unfolded, the screening aimed to shine a light on the life of Melania Trump, presenting an opportunity for her to connect with notable figures and share her story. The evening was described by Beckman as marked by warmth and grace, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Overall, the documentary and the events surrounding it reflect a complex interplay of culture, politics, and individual narratives, making it a significant feature in the current landscape.