On November 28, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump stepped into the Hollywood limelight, announcing the launch of her own film production company, Muse Films. The news, delivered via her official social media accounts, sent ripples through both political and entertainment circles, not least because it marks the first time a sitting First Lady has established a production company while in office. The announcement came paired with a short, striking video: a large, stylized "M"—the Muse Films logo—accompanied by instrumental music, signaling a new chapter for the former model and entrepreneur.
The timing of Muse Films’ debut is no accident. It arrives just ahead of the highly anticipated release of "Melania," a feature documentary produced by Amazon MGM Studios, set to premiere exclusively in theaters worldwide on January 30, 2026. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film promises "unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, through the eyes of the First Lady-elect herself." Viewers will step inside Melania Trump's world as she orchestrates the inauguration, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and re-enters public life alongside her family. The documentary is expected to offer never-before-seen footage of critical meetings, private conversations, and personal moments as Melania returns to one of the world’s most scrutinized roles.
The project is helmed by director Brett Ratner, marking his first film since facing public accusations of sexual misconduct and harassment several years ago. Melania Trump herself is credited as an executive producer, working alongside Fernando Sulichin, known for his collaborations with Oliver Stone and Sean Penn. The documentary will be accompanied by a three-part docuseries, further expanding on the behind-the-scenes look at the Trump family's return to the White House.
But what’s in a name? The choice of "Muse" for the company is more than a branding exercise. As reported by CNN and Daily Beast, "Muse" was Melania Trump’s Secret Service code name during her husband’s first term. The agency traditionally selects code names that reflect a personality trait or theme, and then assigns similar names to the rest of the family. For the Trumps, it was "Muse" for Melania and "Mogul" for Donald. Using a Secret Service code name for a commercial venture is a first for the family, raising eyebrows and a few chuckles across Washington and Hollywood alike.
The documentary’s journey from concept to screen is itself a story. According to Daily Beast and Tag24, Melania Trump reportedly pitched the idea for the film to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, shortly after Donald Trump’s second election victory. Within two weeks, Amazon MGM Studios had placed a record-breaking $40 million bid for the exclusive rights to the documentary—the highest ever for a project of its kind. Production began in December 2024, and the film’s existence was first revealed publicly in January 2025, shortly after the inauguration.
Amazon’s decision to invest so heavily in the project has sparked its own debate. Some industry insiders and political commentators have speculated that the move could be seen as an effort by Bezos to curry favor with the newly reinstalled presidential couple. Others see it as a shrewd business gamble, betting that public fascination with the Trump family will translate into box office success. As of now, Muse Films has not announced any other projects, leaving the industry guessing about Melania’s long-term ambitions in entertainment.
For Melania Trump, the documentary is more than a vanity project. In a January interview with Fox & Friends, she described the film as a day-to-day chronicle of her transition back into the White House: "It’s day-to-day, from transition team to moving to the White House, packing, establishing my team, the first lady office, moving into the White House, what it takes to make the residence your home, to hire the people that you need." The film is set to feature appearances by Donald Trump and their son Barron, offering a rare glimpse into the family’s private and public lives during a pivotal moment in American politics.
The announcement has not been without its critics—or comedians. Hollywood writer Paul Rudnick poked fun at the venture on social media, quipping, "Melania announced her own movie company called Muse Films. Early projects: – A remake of Pretty Woman where the female lead is called a ‘top model and entrepreneur’ – A Hallmark movie about a girl from Slovenia who marries Justin Trudeau – An action movie called Offshore Accounts." Meanwhile, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel revisited Melania’s infamous White House Christmas decorations, joking, “Melania decorates for Christmas the same way everyone else decorates for Halloween: scary.” Kimmel also teased that she’d be decorating “what’s left” of the White House after Donald Trump’s renovation plans for a new ballroom.
Yet, for all the jokes, the business move is undeniably bold. As TMZ and Parade noted, Melania Trump is not only producing but also starring in a documentary that will likely shape her public legacy for years to come. The film is positioned as a unique window into the pressures, responsibilities, and personal moments that define the modern First Lady’s experience—especially one as enigmatic as Melania Trump. The documentary is slated for an exclusive theatrical run before streaming on Amazon Prime Video, ensuring broad access and maximizing its potential impact.
Critics have argued that the Trumps are capitalizing on their second term through ventures like Muse Films and even meme coins, as reported by Tag24. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that Melania is seizing an opportunity to control her own narrative and present her story on her own terms, free from the filter of traditional media coverage. The film’s release will undoubtedly reignite debates about the intersection of politics, celebrity, and commerce in America’s highest office.
As of November 29, 2025, Muse Films has not announced any further projects, keeping the future of Melania’s Hollywood ambitions an open question. But with a $40 million documentary deal, a global theatrical release, and a three-part docuseries on the way, the First Lady’s foray into film is already making history—and headlines. Whether Muse Films becomes a lasting Hollywood player or remains a one-off venture, Melania Trump’s latest move ensures she’ll be a fixture in both the political and entertainment arenas for the foreseeable future.
With the world watching, Melania Trump’s transformation from First Lady to film producer is set to unfold on the big screen, offering audiences an inside look at power, transition, and the making of a modern American icon.
