The first trailer for “MELANIA,” the highly anticipated – and hotly debated – documentary chronicling First Lady Melania Trump’s “glamorous return to the White House,” dropped on December 17, 2025, sending shockwaves through Hollywood and political circles alike. Directed by Brett Ratner in his controversial comeback after years sidelined by sexual harassment allegations, the film promises “unprecedented access” to Melania’s world, from high-fashion photoshoots to intimate Oval Office moments. Acquired by Amazon MGM Studios for a reported $40 million, it’s being touted as a historic peek into the life of America’s enigmatic First Lady during her husband’s second term.

But on the December 18 episode of ABC’s *The View*, the co-hosts didn’t hold back in tearing into what they called a potential “vanity project.” The segment opened with the trailer playing: sleek shots of Melania in designer gowns, whispering to aides amid flashing cameras, and a voiceover declaring her “the most mysterious woman in America.” As the clip faded, Joy Behar burst out laughing, her eyes rolling sky-high in exaggerated disbelief.

“A $40 million vanity project directed by THAT guy? Who’s paying to see this – besides Mar-a-Lago regulars?!” Behar quipped, slapping the table for emphasis. The audience erupted in chuckles, with co-host Whoopi Goldberg smirking and Sunny Hostin shaking her head.

Behar wasn’t done. “Look, Brett Ratner? The man who hasn’t made a film since those allegations in 2017 – which he denies, fine – but now he’s back with this? And Melania’s the star? It’s like a bad sequel to ‘Rush Hour’ meets ‘The Real Housewives of D.C.’ Who’s the audience here? Trump superfans? Or just people who want to see if she finally says more than ‘Be Best’?”

The panel dove deeper. Ana Navarro, a vocal Trump critic, questioned the timing: “This comes out January 30, right after the inauguration? It’s unprecedented access, alright – to a grift. Amazon shells out $40 million for what? Melania posing in front of mirrors? We’ve seen her Christmas trees; we know the aesthetic.”

Sara Haines added a more measured take: “I get the intrigue – she’s private, elegant, from Slovenia to the White House. But is this history in the making, or just another way to monetize the Trump brand? And Ratner directing? That’s a choice.”

Alyssa Farah Griffin, the show’s conservative voice and former Trump aide, defended partially: “Melania’s story is compelling – immigrant success, motherhood amid chaos. But yeah, the trailer’s giving Lifetime movie vibes, not Oscar contender.”

The discussion turned to box office potential. “Will anyone show up?” Goldberg pondered. “Theaters are struggling post-pandemic. A doc about the First Lady? Unless it’s got drama like ‘The Crown,’ I don’t see lines forming.”

Behar sealed it with sarcasm: “Oh, please. It’s ‘unprecedented access’ to… what? Her skincare routine? I’d rather watch paint dry on the White House walls.”

The segment went viral, racking up millions of views on social media. Critics hailed it as classic *The View* shade, while Trump supporters decried it as “jealous liberal hate.” But inside the White House, the reaction was nuclear.

Sources close to the First Lady say Melania, watching from the Oval Office during a rare downtime, was fuming. Known for her stoic demeanor, she reportedly slammed the remote down, her Slovenian accent sharpening as she muttered about “disrespectful women.” Feeling the mockery as a personal attack – especially Behar’s jabs at the film’s budget and director – Melania speed-dialed top ABC executives, roaring demands in a heated call.

“Pull *The View* off the air forever!” she allegedly demanded, her voice echoing through the line. “This is not journalism; it’s bullying. How dare they mock my story? My life is not a joke!”

ABC insiders describe the call as intense, with Melania invoking her status as First Lady and threatening to rally supporters for boycotts. “She’s usually hands-off with media feuds,” one source said, “but this hit home – her documentary is her project, her narrative.”

The nation braced for another explosive showdown. Would ABC cave? Past Trump-era clashes suggested not, but with regulatory pressures from the administration, whispers of FCC investigations swirled. Social media buzzed: #CancelTheView trended alongside #SaveJoyBehar.

Yet, in a twist that flipped the script, Joy Behar fired back on the December 19 episode – today’s show – with a savage one-liner that sent the internet into meltdown and left the White House scrambling.

Opening the hot topics, Behar addressed the drama head-on: “So, I hear the First Lady’s upset about our chat yesterday. Melania, honey, if you’re watching – and I know you are – here’s the deal: If your $40 million movie bombs, don’t blame us. Blame the script… or lack thereof. But hey, at least it’s not narrated by Stormy Daniels!”

The studio audience gasped then roared with laughter. Behar’s nod to Trump’s past scandal – the adult film star’s alleged affair and hush-money payments – was a dagger. Co-hosts piled on: Goldberg high-fived her, saying, “Joy, you didn’t!” Navarro laughed: “That’s the access we want!”

Online, the clip exploded. #JoyBeharBurn trended globally, with memes of Behar’s eye-roll paired with trailer stills. Celebrities weighed in: Bette Midler tweeted, “Joy for President!” while conservative pundits called it “tasteless.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement: “The First Lady’s documentary celebrates resilience and grace. Personal attacks distract from her contributions.” But insiders say the administration was caught off-guard, with no immediate counter from Melania or Trump.

This clash amplifies ongoing tensions between *The View* and the Trumps. Since 2016, the show has been a thorn, critiquing everything from policies to personal style. Melania’s film, produced by Muse Films and Ratner, aims to humanize her: trailers show her reflecting on immigration, fashion, and family, including son Barron’s college life.

Ratner, denying past accusations, called it “a dream project.” Amazon defends the buy: “It’s a cultural moment.”

But box office doubts linger. Analysts predict modest openings – perhaps $5-10 million – buoyed by MAGA crowds but limited broader appeal. Comparisons to “The Apprentice” (Trump’s 2024 biopic) abound: that flopped amid controversy.

As inauguration nears, “MELANIA” could redefine First Lady docs or flop as “another grift.” Behar’s one-liner? It ensures the conversation stays spicy.

In polarized America, one thing’s clear: Whether in theaters or on TV, drama sells.