Melania Trump isn't telling the whole truth
Fri Feb 06 2026
Is Melania Trump's new film a documentary? Fan service? Or propaganda?
The Amazon funded $40 million-$75 million film, follows the first lady as she prepares for her husband's second inauguration. But, it's finely manicured editing and it's fabricated storylines obscure reality - much like the Trump administration's broader media strategy. So what's the point?
Brittany sits down with NPR Senior Arts Critic Bob Mondello, and Vulture Movie Critic Alison Willmore. They examine the wardrobe changes, opulent decor, and even Amazon’s financial support of the movie and break down what this film tells us – and doesn’t tell us – about the first lady.
(00:00) The Melania Documentary Review: Airless, High Heels, Shiny(03:07) Melania Trump is staging the scenes of her life(06:06) Melania is in control - and rewriting history(13:10) Is Trump's documentary propaganda or fan service?(17:34) Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and the Trump family business
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Is Melania Trump's new film a documentary? Fan service? Or propaganda? The Amazon funded $40 million-$75 million film, follows the first lady as she prepares for her husband's second inauguration. But, it's finely manicured editing and it's fabricated storylines obscure reality - much like the Trump administration's broader media strategy. So what's the point? Brittany sits down with NPR Senior Arts Critic Bob Mondello, and Vulture Movie Critic Alison Willmore. They examine the wardrobe changes, opulent decor, and even Amazon’s financial support of the movie and break down what this film tells us – and doesn’t tell us – about the first lady. (00:00) The Melania Documentary Review: Airless, High Heels, Shiny(03:07) Melania Trump is staging the scenes of her life(06:06) Melania is in control - and rewriting history(13:10) Is Trump's documentary propaganda or fan service?(17:34) Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and the Trump family business Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus. Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy