Amazon spends $40M on Melania Trump documentary

Amazon secures Melania Trump documentary for $40M, including a docuseries and theatrical release, sources confirm.

Amazon has reportedly paid $40 million to license a new documentary about Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner.

The project includes the documentary itself, a limited theatrical release, and a supplementary docuseries, according to Puck. Melania Trump, the incoming first lady, will serve as an executive producer on the film, though her compensation remains undisclosed.

Sources indicate that Amazon outbid Disney and Paramount for streaming rights, while Apple and Netflix refrained from placing bids. The documentary comes as Melania Trump prepares for her return to the White House, where she will reportedly split her time between New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C., during her husband Donald Trump’s second presidential term.

The documentary highlights Melania’s life as a former and incoming first lady, offering an inside look into her role in the public spotlight. The licensing deal underscores Amazon’s efforts to secure high-profile content for Prime Video, further strengthening its foothold in the competitive streaming landscape.

The news also coincides with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ ongoing interactions with President-elect Trump. In December, Amazon donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee, following a Mar-a-Lago dinner attended by Bezos, Trump, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The deal reflects Amazon's strategic efforts to navigate political and business dynamics while investing in exclusive content with broad appeal.