The Melania Trump documentary, simply titled Melania hit theaters in late January 2026, and it quickly became a talking point for its glossy look at the former First Lady’s life.
Directed by Brett Ratner and backed by Amazon MGM Studios, the film follows her journey from Slovenia to the White House, with a hefty $75 million budget that includes a big personal payout to Melania herself.
But behind the scenes, the soundtrack stirred up some quiet drama. Producer Marc Beckman, who also advises Melania, opened up in a recent Variety interview about the hurdles they faced in getting music rights.
While some big names signed on, others flat-out refused, citing politics as the barrier. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, this revelation hasn’t sparked the kind of buzz you might expect.
The Producer Spills the Tea on Music Snubs
Marc Beckman didn’t hold back when chatting with Variety about the soundtrack challenges. He explained that licensing music for Melania wasn’t a walk in the park, especially given the Trump family’s polarizing image.
Beckman stressed that the film focuses on Melania’s personal story, not politics, but that didn’t sway everyone. He shared specific stories of rejections that highlight how divided the entertainment world remains when it comes to anything Trump-related.
This comes on the heels of earlier controversy when Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and director Paul Thomas Anderson called out the film for using music from their 2017 movie Phantom Thread without proper clearance, demanding its removal. Beckman addressed that too, noting the team had to scramble after the objection.
Which Artists Said No and Why?
Among the artists who turned down the opportunity, Guns N’ Roses stands out. Beckman described a “beautiful song” from the band that the team loved, but internal politics got in the way. He said the group is “split down the middle politically,” and since they require full agreement for licensing, one dissenting voice killed the deal.
Grace Jones was another no-go. Beckman expressed respect for her work but admitted she “couldn’t get over the political hurdle.” Then there’s Prince’s estate, which came close to approving a track until their lawyer stepped in, stating that Prince would never want his music linked to Donald Trump.
These refusals echo a long history of musicians distancing themselves from the Trumps, like when artists pulled their songs from campaign rallies in past years. On social media, some users praised the decisions, with one X post calling it “kudos to the artists who didn’t put cash over principle” in reference to the “lame Melania movie.”
The Soundtrack That Made It Through
Despite the snubs, the final soundtrack isn’t lacking star power. Beckman managed to secure tracks from heavy hitters like Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones with “Gimme Shelter,” Aretha Franklin, and Tears for Fears.
These songs play over scenes of Melania’s life, from her modeling days to White House moments, adding a nostalgic vibe. The team also included other classics, rounding out a playlist that fits the film’s polished, inspirational tone.
Beckman called the process tough but rewarding, pointing out how these approvals show that not every artist shied away. Interestingly, the music choices have drawn mixed feelings from viewers, with some appreciating the retro feel while others see it as mismatched for a modern documentary.
Public Reaction: Crickets or Controversy?
So why hasn’t this story blown up? The film itself has divided audiences sharply, which might explain the muted response to the music drama. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics give it a dismal 10 percent rating, slamming it as “gilded trash” and an “unabashed fawn job” that’s more propaganda than real insight.
Audience scores tell a different story at 99 percent positive, likely boosted by Trump supporters. Box office numbers surprised many, pulling in $7 million on opening weekend, but theaters in liberal areas reported empty seats, while conservative spots saw crowds. Social media shares of the snub story exist, but they’re mostly links without heated debates.
Protests hit some promotions, like vandalized ads in Los Angeles, yet overall chatter feels contained. In a politically charged year, this music reveal just blends into the noise, proving that even celebrity snubs don’t always capture widespread attention. The film keeps rolling, but the soundtrack saga? It’s more of a footnote than a headline.
What do you think?
