Melania Trump has been ranked as the least popular first lady in modern polling history for a second time, according to new data from YouGov released December 30, 2025.
The first lady’s approval rating has dropped to 36%, marking a record low. The breakdown shows 43% of Americans dislike her, while 18% stated they have a neutral stance toward her.
When Melania Trump left the White House in 2021, she held a 42% approval rating, which was the lowest on record for any first lady at that time. She has now surpassed her own previous record for unpopularity.
The negative public perception stands in stark contrast to other first ladies from previous administrations who enjoyed significantly higher approval ratings, such as Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama. Throughout her tenure at the White House, Michelle Obama spearheaded multiple programs that established her own distinct identity, including efforts to expand educational access for Americans and tackle childhood obesity.
The timing of the YouGov data comes amid renewed scrutiny of Melania Trump’s public role and business ventures. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for documentary rights to a film about the first lady. The company launched a production company called Muse Films, which will debut with the film titled “Melania.”
A documentary trailer was released two weeks ago showing footage from the 20 days before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. The film showcases Melania Trump as she orchestrated inauguration plans and navigated the complexities of the White House transition.
In the trailer, Melania Trump appears at the White House, Mar-a-Lago and other locations. “Here we go again,” she says to the camera in one clip. In another scene, she speaks to her husband on the phone, telling him congratulations and noting she will see it on the news.
The film will be released in theaters on January 30, 2026, then stream on Prime Video. Brett Ratner serves as director of the documentary. Six women accused Ratner of sexual misconduct in 2017 during the emergence of widespread allegations in Hollywood.
Melania Trump and her son Barron Trump hold dual U.S.-Slovenia citizenship, according to biographical reporting. The first lady became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006 after moving from Slovenia to the United States. She maintains ties to her home country through language and citizenship for her family.
A new legislative proposal could affect the Trump family’s citizenship status. Bernie Moreno introduced a bill to ban dual citizenship. The legislation, titled the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, would require U.S. citizens who also hold foreign citizenship to renounce their non-U.S. citizenship within one year of enactment.
Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney who previously represented Melania Trump, criticized the proposed legislation. Wildes called the bill “preposterous” and noted that the United States permits its citizens to hold dual nationality.
Donald Trump’s net worth is estimated at $5.1 billion, while Melania Trump’s net worth stands at $70 million. The financial figures reflect the couple’s business ventures and real estate holdings accumulated over decades.
Social media users responded to Melania Trump’s recent post highlighting her achievements for 2025. Some criticized the timing, noting it came shortly before the YouGov polling data was released. Others questioned specific claims in her list of accomplishments.
Negative public perception toward Melania Trump has been attributed to multiple factors, including her association with Donald Trump’s highly polarizing political image, her low-key public profile and various controversies during her time in the White House. The first lady has maintained a relatively private presence compared to her predecessors, making fewer public appearances and limiting her engagement with media.
The documentary and production company launch represent Melania Trump’s most visible public ventures since returning to the White House. The film promises exclusive footage of critical meetings and private conversations, offering what producers describe as unprecedented access to the first lady’s world.
Barron Trump remains largely out of the public spotlight, with Melania Trump fiercely protecting his privacy throughout his father’s political career.
The YouGov polling data reflects ongoing challenges for Melania Trump in connecting with the American public. Her approval rating has declined since she left the White House in 2021, suggesting that her return to the role has not improved public sentiment.
