Melania Trump Documentary Struggles to Fill Theaters in Texas

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A new documentary about former First Lady Melania Trump, titled "Melania: Twenty Days to History," is struggling to attract audiences in Texas, a state that has reliably voted Republican in recent presidential elections. Despite a massive $35 million marketing campaign, social media posts have shown many theaters across the state with low or no ticket sales for the film's opening weekend.

Why it matters

The lukewarm reception to the Melania Trump documentary in Texas, a state that has consistently supported her husband's political ambitions, suggests that there may be waning interest in the Trump family among some Republican voters. This could have implications for future political campaigns and the broader political landscape in the state.

The details

The $40 million documentary, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and directed by the controversial Brett Ratner, opened in 1,400 theaters across the country on Friday. However, social media posts have shown many of these theaters, particularly in Texas, with very low or no ticket sales. For example, a Cinemark theater in Jacksonville, Texas, reportedly had zero tickets sold for a 9:55 p.m. showing on Friday, though an earlier showing at the same theater had more sales.

• The Melania Trump documentary "Melania: Twenty Days to History" was released on Friday, January 28, 2026.
• The film is projected to make $5 million at best on its opening weekend, while BoxOffice Pro estimates it could make as little as $1-2 million.

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