On the same day that an ICE agent fatally shot ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, notable figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, Queen Rania of Jordan, and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson attended a lavish screening at the White House for the upcoming documentary “Melania: Twenty Days to History.” This event featured custom popcorn buckets and gift boxes adorned with the portrait of First Lady Melania Trump, all in anticipation of the film’s world premiere scheduled for Thursday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
The invitation for the premiere contained a disclaimer reminding government officials and employees that they needed approval from their ethics officers to attend such events and accept gifts, a measure to ensure compliance with strict rules around conflicts of interest. This circumstance drew attention given that Melania Trump had previously sparked significant interest from Hollywood studios eager to align with the incoming Trump administration. The rights to the documentary were sold to Amazon MGM Studios for a staggering $40 million, indicating the high stakes surrounding the project.
Reportedly, Melania Trump retained about 70 percent of that licensing fee, amounting to $28 million. Although there isn’t anything illegal about this arrangement, Don Fox, a former acting director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, highlighted the potential for the deal to create the impression of a conflict of interest, particularly given Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ substantial dealings with the federal government.
Production for the documentary involved intense efforts by three different film crews across locations such as Florida, Washington, D.C., and New York City, hiring esteemed cinematographers to ensure quality footage. However, production insights revealed chaos and a demanding schedule that some crew members found overwhelming. Despite these challenges, many described Melania as amiable and engaged, contrasting with issues they faced while working with director Brett Ratner, who has had a controversial public profile since multiple allegations of sexual misconduct emerged against him in 2017.
While there is excitement surrounding the documentary, skepticism remains regarding its content. Those involved anticipate that, despite the significant investment and access to the first lady, it might not reveal much about her life, as she has maintained a degree of mystery even in the public eye. Critics are divided on the expected performance of the film at the box office; some estimates suggest it might gross as little as $1 million during its opening weekend, while others project up to $5 million based on recent successes of conservative-themed films.
Ultimately, this production highlights not only the intersection of culture and politics but also raises discussions about transparency, ethics, and the complexities surrounding public figures in the context of their official roles. Whether the film’s release will cultivate a solid viewership remains uncertain, yet it evidences the enduring fascination with the Trump persona and the subsequent narrative surrounding the administration.