Elizabeth Warren targets Amazon over 'Melania' documentary spending

Elizabeth Warren questions Amazon’s $40m Melania deal, calling it ‘bribery’ as studio denies wrongdoing claims

Elizabeth Warren has accused Amazon MGM Studios of engaging in “bribery in plain sight” over its high-value deal for a documentary centred on Melania Trump.

According to Variety, the Massachusetts senator, alongside Representative Hank Johnson, has questioned whether the studio’s $40m acquisition and an additional $35m marketing spend on Melania could represent a “pay-to-play” arrangement linked to the Donald Trump administration. The lawmakers have requested further details about the bidding process and any potential contact with the Trump family or officials.

Warren argued that the unusually high bid, reportedly far exceeding competing offers, raises concerns under federal anti-bribery laws. “This looks like bribery in plain sight,” she said, calling for greater transparency from the company.

Amazon MGM has rejected the allegations, stating that its decision was based on the documentary’s narrative value, access, and cultural relevance. A spokesperson emphasised that the project was acquired through a competitive bidding process and denied any improper conduct.

The documentary, which premiered earlier this year, generated $16.6m globally, a notable figure for the genre but below its overall investment. The deal has drawn scrutiny amid broader concerns about corporate influence in politics and media.

The dispute adds to ongoing debates around the relationship between major studios and political figures, as lawmakers continue to examine the intersection of entertainment, business, and government interests.