Donald Trump Predicts Oscar Win for Melania’s Documentary

President Donald Trump has expressed strong confidence that First Lady Melania Trump will receive an Oscar for her documentary, *Melania: 20 Days to History*. Released in US cinemas on January 30, 2025, the film chronicles Melania Trump’s experiences in the twenty days leading up to her husband’s second inauguration. This assertion comes from unnamed sources who spoke to RadarOnline, indicating Trump believes the film aligns with the Academy’s award criteria.

The documentary premiered at the Kennedy Center on January 29, 2025, before its nationwide release the following day. According to reports, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the global distribution rights for a substantial $40 million, a figure that has prompted discussions about potential influences from the White House on the studio’s decision-making.

The reception to the film has been notably divided. While President Trump maintains that the documentary is deserving of high accolades, critics have largely dismissed it, with some labeling it a “shameless infomercial.” Notably, the documentary has drawn comparisons to state-driven propaganda films. Despite the president’s enthusiasm, the critical consensus has been harsh, with the film receiving an 11% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a dismal five out of 100 on Metacritic.

Public Reception and Box Office Performance

In contrast to critical reviews, audience responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Verified viewers on Rotten Tomatoes rated the film at 99%, while CinemaScore voters awarded it an A grade. This stark difference illustrates a common phenomenon in political documentaries, where public enthusiasm can diverge significantly from expert analysis.

Financially, the documentary has made a notable impact, earning $7 million during its opening weekend from 1,500 cinemas, ranking third overall. This performance marks the largest non-concert documentary opening since *Chimpanzee* in 2012. As of now, global revenue has reached $16.6 million, still below Amazon’s investment but sufficient to sustain interest, particularly with a follow-up docuseries in the works.

Marketing for the film has been extensive, with reports indicating a promotional budget of $35 million. This includes high-profile billboards in Los Angeles, a launch event at the Las Vegas Sphere, and numerous advance screenings across 20 US cities. Notably, these screenings often targeted audiences aligned with the Trump administration, largely bypassing mainstream media.

Creative Control and Political Strategy

Melania Trump, who has been credited as an executive producer, had significant influence over the film’s direction, which was helmed by director Brett Ratner. Critics argue that this level of control has allowed the documentary to present a narrative that aligns with the Trumps’ political and personal branding. The film includes a carefully curated soundtrack featuring songs by Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones, amidst reportedly tense negotiations for licensing.

President Trump has embraced the documentary as part of his broader political narrative, using it as a platform to critique former President Barack Obama’s Netflix deal during the premiere. A source close to Trump noted that he views awards as claims rather than achievements, suggesting that if Melania does not receive an Oscar nomination, he would likely label the outcome as unjust.

As the film continues to attract attention, both for its polarizing reception and its substantial marketing efforts, it remains to be seen how the awards season will unfold for Melania Trump. The stark contrast between critical perspectives and audience reception underscores the complexity surrounding this politically charged project.