Trump’s “Melania” Documentary Shatters Box Office Expectations with Record $8 Million Opening
By Newsmax Wires | Saturday, January 31, 2026
The highly anticipated Amazon MGM documentary “Melania”—featuring first lady Melania Trump and hailed as the most expensive documentary ever produced—is reportedly on track for a stronger-than-expected opening of at least $8 million, marking the strongest debut for a documentary in over ten years.
Industry analysts project the film will finish third at the box office, trailing only recent releases “Send Help” and “Iron Lung,” while unexpectedly outperforming Jason Statham’s action title “Shelter.” This outcome has caught many anti-President Donald Trump commentators off guard.
Prior to its nationwide release, industry observers widely predicted a weak showing due to nearly empty theater seats across the country. Instead, the documentary appears to be resonating powerfully with conservative audiences, particularly in the South and midwestern regions. A targeted campaign for older conservatives culminated in a high-profile Washington, D.C., premiere Thursday attended by Trump and prominent supporters.
Demographically, the film’s success is driven overwhelmingly by women aged 55 and above, who accounted for 72% of opening-day attendees. An astonishing 78% of all ticket buyers were in this age group, underscoring its strong appeal among conservative female viewers.
