Lauge Risom Koch 
Jeff Bezos has denied claims Amazon acquired the Melania Trump documentary to gain political influence, insisting the project was simply a business decision.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has pushed back against claims that a documentary about Melania Trump was acquired to strengthen ties with the Trump administration.
The billionaire said the decision was based on business considerations rather than political influence.
Bezos responds
According to UNILAD, Bezos addressed the controversy during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box”.
He rejected suggestions that Amazon MGM Studios purchased the documentary “Melania” as a way to gain favour with Donald Trump’s administration.
“The ‘Melania’ thing is a falsehood that will not die,” Bezos said.
“I see it reported all the time that somehow I was involved in this,” he added.
Documentary deal
Reports cited by UNILAD said Amazon MGM paid around $40 million to acquire the documentary, with an additional $35 million allocated for marketing.
The authorised film about First Lady Melania Trump was released in US cinemas in January 2026 before later becoming available on Amazon Prime Video.
The documentary reportedly earned $16.6 million worldwide at the box office.
Bezos insisted the project represented “a good business decision” and said it performed well in cinemas.
Mixed reception
Although the documentary received a weak critical response, audiences reacted far more positively.
UNILAD reported that the film achieved a 99 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Bezos stepped down as Amazon’s chief executive in 2021 and now serves as executive chairman of the company.
He maintained during the interview that he had no direct involvement in the acquisition process.
Sources: UNILAD, CNBC
