Amazon has secured exclusive rights to produce and stream a documentary series featuring former first lady Melania Trump, committing $40 million in one of the largest documentary acquisitions in streaming history.
Inside the Deal
The deal, first reported by Puck News, outpaced competing bids from Disney and Paramount, with Disney offering $14 million before being outbid by Jeff Bezos’ Amazon by nearly $30 million.
Market analysts view the substantial investment as strategic, especially following Amazon’s $1 million donation to the president-elect’s inauguration fund. The deal, spanning four years, includes a theatrical documentary release and a follow-up docuseries slated for late 2025. Both will feature appearances from President-elect Donald Trump and their son, Barron.
What’s causing waves in Hollywood isn’t just the price tag but the choice of director.
Brett Ratner, known for “Rush Hour,” will helm the project despite stepping away from the industry in 2019 after facing sexual misconduct allegations, which the former music video director has denied. Ratner’s reported appearances at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort have fueled speculation about his ties to the Trump family.
Sources told Page Six that Melania has strategically prepared for this moment.
“She’s been very savvy about what she says… Melania has gotten more comfortable speaking in front of people and on TV,” the insider noted. “She is more confident and has taken full control of her public image, which she knows is worth millions. She’s ready to be paid for the work she puts into the doc and revealing more about herself.”
The deal reflects Melania’s growing business acumen. As executive producer, she has secured creative control and profit-sharing rights.
“I’m told her deal gives her a piece of the backend, and that her husband helped structure the project,” the source added, referring to profit-sharing arrangements after production costs are recouped.
Mrs. Trump’s mystique has driven public interest and bolstered her market value.
“Melania has carefully limited and controlled both her image and access to her– which has driven public interest,” another source explained. “By being removed from constant public exposure, she’s driven up both interest in her everyday life and her price.”
The partnership also highlights growing ties between Amazon and the Trump family.
Rolling Stone notes that Jeff Bezos seems to have taken a “personal interest” in the documentary, which has reportedly helped rebuild his relationship with Trump. This move follows Amazon’s inauguration fund donation and Bezos’ dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
These gestures have sparked concerns about the blending of corporate interests and political influence. The entertainment outlet further points out that the $40 million deal raises questions about how much of the money will benefit Melania directly. While the exact figure remains undisclosed, Amazon’s efforts to align with the incoming administration are clear.
The documentary promises “an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look” at the mother of one’s life, according to Amazon’s statement. It will include rare glimpses of her family dynamic, featuring President-elect Trump and Barron.
This isn’t her first media success. Her recent book, “Melania,” became a bestseller, showcasing her ability to capitalize on public interest in her personal story.
“She’s private to the core but willing to put to use what she learned from her days as a model and as the wife of a master marketer,” a source told Page Six. “President Trump fully supports all of her projects.”
It seems like she is following the steps of another famous first lady.
Melania’s new ventures are like Michelle Obama. Both have carved out distinct paths in the entertainment industry and secured significant media deals.
While Melania recently made headlines with a $40 million documentary licensing agreement, Michelle has established herself as an entertainment powerhouse through Higher Ground Productions, her joint venture with Barack Obama at Netflix, Y! Entertainment reports.
Michelle’s portfolio continues to expand with “Later Dater,” a new reality show exploring senior dating, adding to successful projects like “Becoming” and “American Factory.”
Her influence extends beyond television — her memoir “Becoming” has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, ranking among history’s best-selling memoirs.
Though their approaches differ, both women have leveraged their White House experience into entertainment success.
Melania’s new documentary deal demonstrates her business acumen and carefully cultivated mystique, stepping out of her husband’s shadow and making a name for herself.