Melania Trump Says ‘We Want to Feel Human’ as She Promotes Her New Documentary on Wall Street: ‘We Need Stories That Inspire Dreams’

First lady Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Jan. 28, as she promotes her upcoming documentary, Melania.

In front of business leaders on Wall Street, Melania, 55, marked the start of the trading day in a ceremonial appearance her office framed as recognition of an “impactful year of leadership” during the first 12 months of President Donald Trump’s second term.

NYSE president Lynn Martin presented Melania with the traditional ringer’s medallion and said the exchange also created an engraved commemorative plate to congratulate her on the documentary’s launch.

President Donald Trump and the couple’s son, Barron, did not attend. The president was in Washington, D.C., to headline a U.S. Treasury Department summit Wednesday morning, an event that also features rapper Nicki Minaj and businessman Kevin O’Leary.

Before ringing the bell, Melania delivered brief remarks focused on the cultural power of filmmaking and storytelling.

“Superior storytelling drives culture and in turn moves markets,” she said. “In the near future, cultural influence will matter as much as economic power. Our ability to tell our stories and emotionally connect with audiences is paramount. People long to be moved.”

“We need stories that inspire dreams, offer hope, tales of redemption, sad stories, love stories, and funny stories,” she continued. “We want to feel human.”

She also described the documentary as a rare perspective on a presidential transition, saying it would be “the first time in history” audiences see the lead-up to an inauguration through a first lady’s eyes. She called her husband’s return to office an “important period.”

“Visual storytelling and beautiful music create memories for a lifetime. What do you remember when you hear Rolling Stones? Michael Jackson?” she said. “Films bring families and friends together, sitting side by side, sharing a collective moment. In doing so, they will not simply watch a film, they will participate in a great American tradition and become part of our nation’s history. Thank you for joining me on this historic morning and enjoy the film.”

Melania’s New York City appearance came during an intensive press week ahead of the film’s rollout. Melania is scheduled to premiere at the Kennedy Center on Thursday, Jan. 29, before expanding to theaters globally on Jan. 30.

The documentary follows the first lady during the first 20 days of 2025, leading up to her husband’s second inauguration.

The film was purchased by Amazon MGM Studios for $40 million and directed by Brett Ratner. It includes previously unseen moments from the family’s move back to Washington, with a focus on Melania’s role during the transition.

Several concurrent, invitation-only screenings are planned for Thursday night in cities including New York, Boston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Members of the press were not invited to view the film before its theatrical release on Friday.

In a Jan. 25 post on X, Melania shared a photo of herself at a podium in front of a crowd at the White House during a private first viewing held Saturday, Jan. 24.

“A Historic Moment,” she wrote on the platform. “I am deeply humbled to have been surrounded by an inspiring room of friends, family, and cultural iconoclasts at the White House last night. Each of these individuals brought their unique vision to the world, making a lasting impression.”

“Our personal stories endure time and serve as a reminder of our mutual obligation to one another. It was an honor to present my new film, MELANIA, ahead of its global launch,” she added.

Approximately $35 million has been spent on marketing for the film, according to a CNN report, spanning billboards, advertisements, and a promotion on the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Melania also served as the film’s executive producer. Her senior adviser and agent, Marc Beckman, told One America News that she played an unusually hands-on role across production and promotion.

“She was involved in the production, the postproduction, all of the ad campaign, the trailer. … And when I say involved, I mean she’s not just approving. She built that trailer. She created the cliffhanger, she selected the music. Same thing with the ad campaign that we’re seeing worldwide now in almost 30 countries,” Beckman said.