Jan 29, 2026 - News

Boston theaters are empty for the Melania documentary

Mike Deehan

Photo illustration of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania holding hands over a background grid of arrows, coins, and dollar signs — Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Image

Despite President Trump's claims that the new documentary about his wife is "selling out fast," opening night data from the film's Boston screenings show nearly empty theaters.

And there might be a blatant effort to buy an audience for the First Lady's doc, "Melania," which chronicles her private life leading up to the 2025 inauguration.

State of play: Online sleuths noticed several opening night screenings sold abysmally low numbers of tickets at major hubs like AMC Boston Common and AMC Causeway.

Meanwhile, a Craigslist "event gig" post is claiming to offer Boston residents $50 in cash plus a free ticket to attend screenings this weekend.
According to the post, the only requirement is that viewers must remain in their seats for the whole film.

Axios replied to the post, seeking more information.

So far, no response.

Between the lines: If it's legit, the bribe to get butts into theater seats highlights a big gap between political branding and actual consumer interest, especially in Boston.

The $50 offer would be a striking last-ditch effort to avoid a box office flop.

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Boston theaters are empty for the Melania documentary

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