Late-night hosts take on Melania Trump's documentary. See their jokes
- - Late-night hosts take on Melania Trump's documentary. See their jokes
Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY NETWORKFebruary 6, 2026 at 2:48 AM
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Late-night hosts take on Melania Trump's documentary. See their jokes
First lady Melania Trump's documentary "Melania" got critical reviews despite exceeding expectations at the box office. Now, late-night television is weighing in.
"Melania," out in theaters on Jan. 30, follows Trump's journey back to the White House in early 2025. It reveals little about her, and leans heavily on picturesque shots and an upbeat soundtrack. Upping the controversy around it, the film was directed by Rush Hour director Brett Ratner, his first big project since he was accused of sexual harassment in 2017.
Variety's film critic called the documentary, "a piece of state-sanctioned propaganda out of 1960s Communist China." The Atlantic said that "Ratner seems desperate to find action, but there is none." Still, the film recorded an estimated a $7 million opening weekend.
But this week, the late-night television hosts had some fun with it. Here is what they had to say:
More: 'Melania,' slammed by critics, makes history. What could it mean?
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.
Who played Melania Trump on Stephen Colbert?
On "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," the host brought in some backup to spoof on Trump's demeanor. In the Feb. 4 show, actress Laura Benanti appeared as the first lady, speaking in an accent with signature honey-waved hair and an exaggerated modeling expression.
Colbert presses the actress on what the movie is about, alluding to the first lady's comments that it isn't a documentary, but something more artistic.
"It's about $28 million in my pocket, cha-chingaaaa!" Benanti says in character. "Just like me, it is a very creepy mystery."
In one of the more personal moments of the movie, Ratner and Trump are in a car together, where she tells him "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson is her favorite song and they sing along together.
Colbert asks Benanti why it is her favorite.
"Let's just say it brings a smile to my face every time I look at Eric and think, 'the kid is not my son,'" she says before moonwalking off camera.
Jimmy Kimmel alludes to box office rigging
In Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue on Feb. 4, he warned of President Donald Trump's rhetoric about the upcoming elections.
"Speaking of rigged outcomes, the 'Melania' documentary, now allegedly, they exceeded box office expectations," Kimmel said. The $7 million opening weekend gives the film the best start for a documentary, except concert films, in over a decade, according to the New York Times. But it still falls far behind the $40 million Amazon MGM Studios paid for it, with a reported additional $35 million in marketing.
"A lot of people, myself included, have been wondering how this movie managed to sell $7 million worth of tickets last weekend when almost every theater seemed to be empty leading up to the release," Kimmel said.
He pointed to how the Republican National Committee paid almost $100,000 for Donald Trump Jr.'s book "Triggered" in 2019 as "donor mementos," and the book topped the New York Times best-seller list, according to the Times.
Kimmel's monologue on "Melania" occurred the same day that sweeping layoffs hit The Washington Post.
"Jeff Bezos, who paid for that garbage, just laid off hundreds of journalists at The Washington Post," Kimmel said. "I guess he spent all the budget on Melania. Well done, Jeff."
Seth Meyers: 'Least animated feature'
On "Late Night with Seth Meyers," the host took a few swipes at the documentary in the days leading up to its release.
"It's already getting some award buzz for least animated feature," he said in one monologue.
He also poked fun at the president after the private screening of the movie at the White House.
"Man, they are really testing his ability to stay awake," he said. "'Sir, would you like to sit in the dark and watch a movie about your wife? Sir? He's already out.'"
Contributing: Jay Stahl, Brian Truitt, Kate Perez, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kimmel says box office rigged, Colbert brings in actress for 'Melania'
Source: “AOL Breaking”
