WASHINGTON, DC — Madonna. Cher. Adele. Zendaya. Now, you can add one more to the list of those who need be known by only one name —Melania.
First ladyMelania Trumpcelebrated the world premiere of her self-titled documentary, "Melania," at the newly renamedTrump-Kennedy Centeron Jan. 29. The more than hour and a half long movie chronicles the 20 days leading up to PresidentDonald Trump's 2025 inauguration through the first lady's eyes — highlighting her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and behind-the-scenes work in Trump's orbit.
"They will see day to day what my life is like," the first lady said of audiences who watch the film.
The distinctly Washington, DC, red carpet — devoid of the ballgowns, tuxedos, glitz, and glam Americans are used to seeing during Hollywood awards shows — attracted a bevy of Trump administration officials, Republican politicians, and a few celebrities, including rapperNiki Minaj.
First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
First lady Melania Trump" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The couple shared a smile for the cameras" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Trump and Melania Trump" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Trump and Melania Trump" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
The first couple greet the press." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Trump and Melania Trump" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
President Trump and Melania Trump" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere ofher "Melania" documentaryon Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
They walked along the black colored carpet with the first lady's name splayed behind them on a white backdrop, praising her as "poised" and "dignified." Above the area, flags representing countries with U.S. diplomatic ties were displayed in the rafters in the grand entrance of the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The who's who of attendees included House SpeakerMike Johnson, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, among others. The cabinet officials arrived at the premiere fresh off ameeting with the presidentas a potential government shutdown looms.
Federal government shutdown:Johnson says government will 'inevitably' shut down despite Senate deal
Most wore toned-down cocktail attire — women in black dresses and men in simple suits — though Kennedy drew particular attention for his extra-skinny tie with tiny red crabs. Addressing the outfit, Kennedy said he pays someone to make his ties "skinnier."
"I have nothing but admiration," Kennedy said of the first lady, noting that she was among the primary supporters of his initiative to improve childhood health. "She's a multidimensional person, not the caricature that we've been fed."
Melania Trump: 'I'm an immigrant'
The politician-studded celebration came amid rising backlash across the country to theTrump administration's immigration enforcementtechniques after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks.
Melania Trump reflected on her past during the premiere when asked about how her life reflected that of the American people she serves.
"I'm an immigrant, I'm coming from a different country," the first lady told USA TODAY. "I'm very proud to be an American citizen."
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." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple steps out for the world premiere." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> First lady Melania Trump" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
"Melania" director Brett Ratner" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
"Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Doug Collins and Lisa Collins" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
Thenew "Melania" documentaryhad 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 Trumpfirst lady Melania Trump.
The first ladymoved to the United Statesfrom Slovenia in 1996 to work as a model. She gained citizenship in 2006. Before the premiere, Melania Trump called for "unity" in light of protests over her husband's immigration policies and said she was "against the violence."
Amazon's MGM Studios paid $40 million for the first lady's documentary and is spending another $35 million on marketing. Melania Trump, 55, also launched herown production company, Muse Films, ahead of the movie's release.
Amid questions over immigration enforcement and foreign affairs, the president applauded his wife on the carpet and said his legacy was "intertwined" with hers.
As for Melania Trump, she said she's not "ready to talk about legacy."
"It's too early," she answered.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Melania Trump reflects on role and legacy at her DC movie premiere