After the controversial "Melania" documentary's poor critical reception and startling performance in the box office earlier this year, its impact on President Donald Trump's pocketbook is becoming public.

A 927-page financial disclosure report released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics on June 30 offered a glimpse at the president's finances, including his monetary ties to Hollywood, more than a year into his second term. First lady Melania Trump's income was included in the filing and revealed that the Brett Ratner-directed Amazon MGM Studios film earned the Trumps $10.71 million in proceeds from the movie's license agreement in 2025.

The first lady also reported $521,000 income from the license agreement for her 2024 memoir, "Melania."

USA TODAY has reached out to the White House for comment.

The Amazon film, made by Melania Trump's new production company Muse Films and released in 1,500 theaters Jan. 30, grossed $16.7 million worldwide after netting an estimated $7 million in ticket sales during the film's opening weekend.

In the days leading up to its release, President Trump urged his followers to buy tickets to see the "must watch" movie, with tickets "Selling out, FAST!"

What the 'Melania' movie reveals — and what it leaves out

A day after its Amazon Prime Video debut, the first lady celebrated her film's prominence as the most-watched movie on the streamer's charts. The Jeff Bezos-owned studio reportedly spent a staggering $75 million on the project after purchasing the rights to release it for $40 million and dropping $35 million on marketing.

Amazon has denied accusations, including those leveled by lawmakers Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Hank Johnson, that the bid for the project was a move to curry favor with the Trump administration. The Democrats initiated an investigation into what they called "a corrupt pay-to-play arrangement with the Trump administration" to "secure favorable treatment ... on antitrust suits, potential tariff exemptions, foreign trade deals, federal contracts, and tax cuts."

The 104-minute film follows Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to her husband's inauguration for his second term as president. The cameras follow her through dress fittings, brief interactions with the president and preparations for her return to the White House.

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Posted by Temmy
Fri, July 03, 2026 11:36am