In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly declared that "Melania," a newly released documentary focusing on his wife, Melania Trump, will be mandatory viewing in history courses across all levels of education. This decision comes amidst overwhelmingly negative reviews and disappointing ticket sales for the film.
The supposed announcement, which circulated widely on social media, stated that any universities refusing to teach this "masterpiece" would face funding cuts. The post further claimed the film was a "FOUNDATIONAL MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY" and that "People should learn WINNING early". However, fact-checking sources have confirmed that the post was fabricated. While Trump did promote the film as a "MUST WATCH" on Truth Social, the viral post about mandatory viewing is not genuine.
"Melania," directed by Brett Ratner, was advertised as a behind-the-scenes look at the First Lady's life, documenting her transition back into politics after a four-year hiatus and her preparations for President Trump's second inauguration. The film aimed to explore how she dealt with public scrutiny. Melania Trump reportedly paid herself $28 million for her involvement in the film, overseeing much of the production and promotion.
Despite its wide theatrical release in over 1,500 theaters, critics have panned the documentary. Major media outlets have called it "desperate propaganda" that "dragged on for far too long with no payoff". Some reviews were particularly harsh, with The Guardian labeling it "trash" and "endless hell," while The Atlantic deemed it a "disgrace". On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a meager 8% approval rating. Metacritic assigned it a score of 4 out of 100, indicating "overwhelming dislike".
Reviewers have criticized the film for offering a superficial and overly flattering portrayal of Melania Trump. Some critics have gone so far as to compare it to state propaganda. One reviewer described the film as "an elaborate piece of designer taxidermy, horribly overpriced and ice-cold to the touch". Despite the negative reception, one positive review came from the London Evening Standard, which gave it 3 out of 5 stars and complimented the First Lady's appearance.
The film's release has been accompanied by an aggressive marketing campaign, including advertisements during NFL playoff games and on billboards in major cities. However, this has only fueled skepticism about the film's independence. The cancellation of the film's release in South Africa, citing "recent developments" and "the current climate," further underscores the challenges it faces.
The controversy surrounding "Melania" highlights the intersection of politics, celebrity culture, and the modern media economy. Regardless of the film's artistic merit, it has sparked debate about the role of the First Lady in contemporary society and the potential for political branding through documentaries.
