February 6, 2026
Despite its supposed box office success, grossing $7-9.5 million in its first week, Melania, the movie, has seemed unable to account for its less than popular reviews. With its 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an even worse score of 1.3/10 on IMDb, some are wondering if this is a sign of active resentment for the sitting President and his wife?
The movie closely follows Melania Trump and the 20 days leading up to the presidential inauguration, documenting the transition of her family into the White House while she reclaims her role as the First Lady. While the film attempted to offer a private glance into Melania Trump’s life, it came off as cold to many. It’s obvious that the timing of the movie release is deliberate, that in a time of political and social unrest, the Trumps are attempting to fix their image. The movie helps reinforce their roles as public figures with no new insight, just the same chaos and disappointment. That should have been their campaign slogan, then Americans would’ve known what they were signing up for, again.
So, who is seeing this movie? Across the United States, theaters have been left empty, often not selling a single ticket. Considering Melania’s and her husband’s lack of popularity, who is surprised? Senior at SCHS, Elliot Hastings, commented on the movies release, stating “[she] hasn’t seen the movie, and [she] doesn’t plan on it” because of what it’s trying to promote combined with the horrible reviews. “Melania is another attempt to pretend nothing controversial is happening right now.”
With the current state of the U.S., from government shutdowns to ICE raids, Melania is a reflection of the current administration who serves one agenda, Trump’s. This movie appears to be an attempt to control the narrative in the country, but with its backlash, it’s clear that Americans want recognition and real change. Allison Fleming, a senior at SCHS, felt “exhausted, even though there are three years left in Trump’s term, [she’s] over the drama.”
This movie reiterates the Trump administration’s main agenda. Distract the public from real concerns that seek immediate attention and anything that negatively frowns upon him and his families reputation.
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