Former First Lady Melania Trump revealed extensive plans for her return to the White House, including a $40 million Amazon-backed documentary and an expanded public role that differs significantly from her first term in the position.
In a wide-ranging Fox & Friends interview with Ainsley Earhardt, which aired on Monday, January 13, 2025, Mrs. Trump shared that the documentary originated from her own initiative following her memoir’s success. “The book was such a success and I’m very proud and I get so many messages and letters how they enjoy the book. And they would love – my fans and people would love – to hear more from me. So I had an idea to make a movie, to make a film about my life,” she said.
Production of the documentary commenced in November and will continue filming through Inauguration Day, with Amazon securing the rights for $40 million. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release this fall before becoming available on Amazon Prime Video. Mrs. Trump explained that the documentary will capture her daily activities and responsibilities, including transforming the White House residence into a home and assembling her staff.
Mrs. Trump contrasted her current White House transition with her experience in 2017, expressing significantly more confidence this time. She acknowledged that the first transition had been difficult, citing how the previous administration had withheld crucial information from them. Now, she emphasized that she has access to all necessary information, including detailed plans for the move. She revealed that she had already completed her packing and made all furniture selections for the residence, indicating a state of full preparedness for the upcoming transition.
Her son Barron, now 18 and a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business, will maintain a room at the White House for visits. “I feel that children we have them feel they are like 18, 19 years old. We teach them, we guide them. And then we give them the wings to fly. And I always respect Barron’s yes and no and what he likes to do, where he would like to be,” she stated.
The incoming First Lady detailed her plans to divide her time between three locations: Washington, D.C., New York City, and Palm Beach, Florida. She explained that while the White House would serve as her primary residence, she would travel to New York and Palm Beach as circumstances required. Mrs. Trump emphasized that her responsibilities follow a clear order of priority, with her roles as mother, First Lady, and wife taking precedence. She noted that once the transition occurs on January 20, her focus would expand to include serving the country.
The White House transition will occur within a tight five-hour window on Inauguration Day. Moving trucks were recently spotted at the White House, delivering packing materials to prepare for the Bidens’ departure. When the Trumps enter the residence after the swearing-in ceremony, their belongings will be fully unpacked and arranged according to Mrs. Trump’s specifications.
During the discussion of her second term agenda, Mrs. Trump outlined her strategy to relaunch and expand her “Be Best” initiative, a comprehensive program that targets three critical areas: children’s well-being, social media use, and opioid abuse prevention. Reflecting on her first term, she described significant obstacles to the program’s implementation. She detailed her efforts to engage with streaming platforms, including organizing a dedicated roundtable discussion at the White House, but expressed disappointment that these companies ultimately provided minimal backing for the initiative despite her outreach. She characterized the overall support during her first term as inadequate across all sectors, noting that she faced resistance or indifference from multiple potential partners.
Mrs. Trump detailed a deliberate and careful hiring strategy regarding her East Wing staffing plans. She indicated that while several positions need to be filled, she plans to assess the specific needs once established in the White House rather than making immediate hiring decisions. She emphasized fiscal responsibility with taxpayer money as a key consideration in her staffing decisions, noting her intention to maintain a lean team. Additionally, she outlined specific criteria for potential staff members, stressing that candidates must demonstrate both talent and merit to be considered for positions within her office.
Mrs. Trump also addressed her independence within the administration. “I feel I was always me the first time as well,” she stated. “I just feel that people didn’t accept me, maybe. They didn’t understand me the way maybe they do now… I’m standing on my own two feet. Independent. I have my own thoughts. I have my own yes and no. I don’t always agree what my husband is saying or doing, and that’s okay.”
