How 'Melania' fared in its second weekend at the box office
- - How 'Melania' fared in its second weekend at the box office
Brendan Morrow, USA TODAYFebruary 9, 2026 at 12:51 AM
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"Melania" is chugging along at the box office after an impressive opening weekend.
The controversial documentary about first lady Melania Trump grossed another $2.37 million in North American theaters in its second weekend of release, according to estimates shared Sunday, Feb. 8, by Amazon MGM Studios. This represents a decline of 67% from the movie's first weekend, bringing its domestic total to date to $13.35 million.
A 67% decline is considered a fairly large drop at the box office, generally indicating that devoted fans prioritized seeing the film early on and that there may not be a huge audience beyond that in theaters. But the second weekend of "Melania" also fell on Super Bowl weekend, which is traditionally a slow period for movie theaters.
The horror-thriller "Send Help," which debuted Jan. 30, repeated at No. 1 at the North American box office this weekend with another $10 million, according to Comscore estimates. "Melania" was in 10th place, below a pair of 2025 releases: Disney's animated smash "Zootopia 2" grossed $4 million, and the sci-fi epic "Avatar: Fire and Ash" collected an additional $3.5 million. Two new horror titles, "Dracula" and "The Strangers – Chapter 3," took in $4.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
The documentary "Melania" follows first lady Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's second inauguration in 2025.
"Melania," which follows the first lady in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, is coming off a surprising theatrical debut of $7 million. "Melania" had been tracking to make $3 million to $5 million in its opening weekend.
Jeff Bock, senior media analyst for Exhibitor Relations, told USA TODAY ahead of the movie's release that any opening above $1 million would be a "huge number," suggesting "that a lot of folks who don't normally go to the movies went to this."
Amazon MGM Studios purchased "Melania" and a companion docuseries for $40 million and reportedly spent $35 million on marketing. The film is far from being profitable just yet, though Amazon will recoup some of its costs through ads and streaming service sign-ups.
new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AuflJSdfP94oxyUgR9mjCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2edc32f6e613f9a491d837917d87636 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
">The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AuflJSdfP94oxyUgR9mjCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2edc32f6e613f9a491d837917d87636 class=caas-img>The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XCbrufzd1aQIchWivaoTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc6ab8a2e4a51cba14521238ff7c556b class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
">The first couple steps out for the world premiere.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XCbrufzd1aQIchWivaoTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc6ab8a2e4a51cba14521238ff7c556b class=caas-img>First lady Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOn68.tno45_MSGugazHcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5289bd9e53770f84dbbdbb564e09e3b9 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump
">First lady Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOn68.tno45_MSGugazHcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5289bd9e53770f84dbbdbb564e09e3b9 class=caas-img>Brett Ratner
" style=padding-bottom:56%>"Melania" director Brett Ratner
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LTJME__61YBNJWX28MZDlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cee855fcc6f979a91c9ad618c882d967 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
"Melania" director Brett Ratner
">"Melania" director Brett Ratner
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LTJME__61YBNJWX28MZDlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cee855fcc6f979a91c9ad618c882d967 class=caas-img>U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1PgTs9f61pMb78x198UPdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c906d3399866f010e40b65f414765945 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
">U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1PgTs9f61pMb78x198UPdQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c906d3399866f010e40b65f414765945 class=caas-img>Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/loYo5fkZFfDanEdvBBFeLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/138988c57a056ecf2bcad1b31f0c1d45 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
">Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/loYo5fkZFfDanEdvBBFeLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/138988c57a056ecf2bcad1b31f0c1d45 class=caas-img>"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1BJxy90rQdjAdOyp8rsd.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ebbc5bb8533c00ca2ca5bac0022994b class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
">"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1BJxy90rQdjAdOyp8rsd.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ebbc5bb8533c00ca2ca5bac0022994b class=caas-img>
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.6Q3fbyh7jGlC475XRx3FQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c7299d83bd21129cbd83fa3be294928 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
">House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.6Q3fbyh7jGlC475XRx3FQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c7299d83bd21129cbd83fa3be294928 class=caas-img>U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Fb.Tn9ME649OygOvfQSyKQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/85e4bc2fb39e99bd1a0f21096c6e2a10 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
">U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Fb.Tn9ME649OygOvfQSyKQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/85e4bc2fb39e99bd1a0f21096c6e2a10 class=caas-img>Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YKWcDjbiEFiMWhzMPcsh7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1403022c9f5d26856782a7864c4f8c77 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
">Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/YKWcDjbiEFiMWhzMPcsh7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1403022c9f5d26856782a7864c4f8c77 class=caas-img>
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZyIl1W7qsDoN2wthd3gRaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa2c79cf7946e3c7179fab0c89fddb9e class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
">U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZyIl1W7qsDoN2wthd3gRaQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa2c79cf7946e3c7179fab0c89fddb9e class=caas-img>Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pGK4RVixEkQfGN677aEj3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ad4651efc2ad9faff0acd67575ec class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
">Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pGK4RVixEkQfGN677aEj3w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ad4651efc2ad9faff0acd67575ec class=caas-img>Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/geX2hGBZFYjr8SzGS5DQig--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c513bcc40c5a33515586616e1af7a948 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
">Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/geX2hGBZFYjr8SzGS5DQig--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c513bcc40c5a33515586616e1af7a948 class=caas-img>
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UDwzl31hMrHESvJzW4tK9g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9624d5253a091ffc199f2bea3319b81f class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
">Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UDwzl31hMrHESvJzW4tK9g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9624d5253a091ffc199f2bea3319b81f class=caas-img>Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SSWZYPl.CdkQpJinIHjpZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/56f974c313f804108feda29421698fd7 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
">Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/SSWZYPl.CdkQpJinIHjpZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/56f974c313f804108feda29421698fd7 class=caas-img>Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6icwlPBTfBj6J3.R12Usuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0c5ef7e0dd2ed2aad51cc3c158c46888 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
">Doug Collins and Lisa Collins
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6icwlPBTfBj6J3.R12Usuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0c5ef7e0dd2ed2aad51cc3c158c46888 class=caas-img>Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0kN85GjTVVHL1_qPRDBHlA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/58f42e7dd1c8cb975d4f50882d6d02e1 class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
">Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0kN85GjTVVHL1_qPRDBHlA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/58f42e7dd1c8cb975d4f50882d6d02e1 class=caas-img>
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vwbdwq_5Z8SoBgFwJQa2jA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aea3607bbc7b4508c38836bce604bb7d class=caas-img data-headline="See the Trumps step out for 'Melania' movie premiere at Kennedy Center" data-caption="
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
">Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vwbdwq_5Z8SoBgFwJQa2jA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aea3607bbc7b4508c38836bce604bb7d class=caas-img>
1 / 27Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.
In a statement, Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM Studios’ head of domestic theatrical distribution, hailed the documentary's "strong theatrical performance" and said the release has built "momentum ahead of the film's eventual debut on Prime Video."
Directed by Brett Ratner, who was ousted from Hollywood in 2017 after six women accused him of sexual harassment, "Melania" was almost universally panned by critics. USA TODAY's Brian Truitt wrote that "while it does offer an extremely flattering view of all things Melania, outside of a few candid glimpses, you're not going to learn a lot about who she really is."
Melania Trump attends the premiere of "Melania" on Jan. 29 in Washington.
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, "Melania" received a dismal approval rating of just 8% from critics. Audiences, though, have embraced it. "Melania" earned a Rotten Tomatoes score of 99% from moviegoers who could verify that they purchased a ticket to see it, and audiences polled by the market research firm CinemaScore gave it a grade of A.
Contributing: Brian Truitt
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Melania' movie box office – How it performed in second weekend
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
