The highly anticipated documentary “Melania” is set to premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center on January 29, 2026, marking a significant moment in both political and cultural news. The premiere comes just weeks after the prestigious Washington, D.C. arts institution officially added President Donald Trump’s name to its historic title, stirring widespread debate among politicians, historians, and the public.

Premiere Date and Details

The documentary follows First Lady Melania Trump during the first 20 days of 2025, leading up to her husband’s second presidential inauguration. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brett Ratner, the film promises never-before-seen moments that reveal Melania’s personal perspective on the family’s transition back to the White House, her role during the inauguration, and her behind-the-scenes influence.

According to Fox News Digital, both President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the exclusive Washington, D.C. premiere at the newly renamed venue on January 29, a day before its theatrical release.

Trump’s Name Added to the Kennedy Center

The premiere coincides with the controversial renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, now officially known as The Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Shortly after taking office for a second term, Trump appointed loyalists to the Kennedy Center board, which subsequently voted to add his name to the historic arts institution.

Since the summer of 2025, President Trump had casually referred to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center” in speeches and on social media. On December 18, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the board had voted to rename the iconic memorial after the sitting president, and the Kennedy Center quickly updated its website and social media branding to reflect the change.

Historical Significance of the Kennedy Center

Originally dedicated by Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy one year after his assassination, the Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of America’s commitment to the arts. Kennedy, a devoted supporter of the arts, frequently emphasized the importance of cultural contributions to society, calling them “our contribution to the human spirit.” The addition of Trump’s name to the center has sparked debates about the legacy and preservation of cultural landmarks.

Public and Family Reaction

The decision has drawn criticism from multiple members of the Kennedy family. Maria Shriver, JFK’s niece, expressed outrage over the renaming, stating,

“Beyond using the Kennedy Center to reward his friends and political allies, President Trump is now attempting to affix his name to yet another public institution without legal authority. The Kennedy Center was named after my uncle, President John F. Kennedy, who brought the arts into the White House and celebrated artists. It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable.”

Shriver and other ex officio members of the Kennedy Center board have indicated they were prevented from participating in the decision-making process, intensifying the controversy.

Behind the Scenes of the Documentary

The film “Melania” gives audiences a unique look into the First Lady’s private life, focusing on her family, philanthropic work, and personal journey as she navigates the responsibilities of the White House. Melania, who serves as an executive producer on the film, described the documentary as “history in motion”, offering viewers a personal and unfiltered glimpse into her daily life.

Licensed by Amazon Studios, the documentary reportedly benefited from the personal interest of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who is said to have strengthened his relationship with the Trumps during the production process.

Upcoming Release

The documentary will be available in theaters nationwide starting January 30, 2026, following the exclusive premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center. Fans and critics alike are eager to see Melania’s personal insights and exclusive footage from the early days of her husband’s second term, making this one of the most talked-about political documentaries of the year.