Melania Trump Documentary Surpasses Expectations with $8 Million Box Office Debut

By Newsmax Wires | Saturday, January 31, 2026

Melania Trump’s new Amazon MGM documentary, described as the most expensive documentary ever produced, is reportedly heading toward a better-than-expected opening of at least $8 million. The film marks the strongest debut for a documentary in over a decade.

The documentary is projected to finish No. 3 at the box office, trailing only fellow newcomers “Send Help” and “Iron Lung,” while surprisingly edging out Jason Statham’s new action title “Shelter.”

That outcome has caught many anti-President Donald Trump analysts off guard. Industry observers had widely predicted the film would struggle due to nearly empty seat maps in theaters nationwide.

Instead, the documentary appears to be striking a powerful chord with conservative audiences, particularly in the South and south-central regions. A targeted campaign aimed at older conservatives culminated in a high-profile Washington, D.C., premiere Thursday night, attended by Trump and a crowd of prominent supporters.

Demographically, the film’s performance is being driven overwhelmingly by older women. Those 55 and above accounted for 72% of opening-day moviegoers, while a remarkable 78% of all ticket buyers were 55 or older, underscoring the film’s appeal among conservative female audiences.