Melania Trump reflects on role and legacy at her DC movie premiere

The first lady celebrated the world premiere of “Melania” and told USA TODAY that she’s “proud to be an American citizen.”

WASHINGTON, DC — Madonna. Cher. Adele. Zendaya. Now, you can add one more to the list of those who need be known by only one name — Melania. 

First lady Melania Trump celebrated the world premiere of her self-titled documentary, “Melania,” at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center on Jan. 29. The more than hour and a half long movie chronicles the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump‘s 2025 inauguration through the first lady’s eyes — highlighting her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and behind-the-scenes work in Trump’s orbit.  

“They will see day to day what my life is like,” the first lady said of audiences who watch the film.  

The distinctly Washington, DC, red carpet — devoid of the ballgowns, tuxedos, glitz, and glam Americans are used to seeing during Hollywood awards shows — attracted a bevy of Trump administration officials, Republican politicians, and a few celebrities, including rapper Niki Minaj.  

They walked along the black colored carpet with the first lady’s name splayed behind them on a white backdrop, praising her as “poised” and “dignified.” Above the area, flags representing countries with U.S. diplomatic ties were displayed in the rafters in the grand entrance of the Trump-Kennedy Center.

The who’s who of attendees included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, among others. The cabinet officials arrived at the premiere fresh off a meeting with the president as a potential government shutdown looms.

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Most wore toned-down cocktail attire — women in black dresses and men in simple suits — though Kennedy drew particular attention for his extra-skinny tie with tiny red crabs. Addressing the outfit, Kennedy said he pays someone to make his ties “skinnier.” 

“I have nothing but admiration,” Kennedy said of the first lady, noting that she was among the primary supporters of his initiative to improve childhood health. “She’s a multidimensional person, not the caricature that we’ve been fed.” 

Melania Trump: ‘I’m an immigrant’

The politician-studded celebration came amid rising backlash across the country to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement techniques after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks.  

Melania Trump reflected on her past during the premiere when asked about how her life reflected that of the American people she serves.  

“I’m an immigrant, I’m coming from a different country,” the first lady told USA TODAY. “I’m very proud to be an American citizen.” 

The first lady moved to the United States from Slovenia in 1996 to work as a model. She gained citizenship in 2006. Before the premiere, Melania Trump called for “unity” in light of protests over her husband’s immigration policies and said she was “against the violence.” 

Amazon’s MGM Studios paid $40 million for the first lady’s documentary and is spending another $35 million on marketing. Melania Trump, 55, also launched her own production company, Muse Films, ahead of the movie’s release. 

Amid questions over immigration enforcement and foreign affairs, the president applauded his wife on the carpet and said his legacy was “intertwined” with hers.  

As for Melania Trump, she said she’s not “ready to talk about legacy.”

“It’s too early,” she answered.