Jeff Bezos has forcefully rejected allegations that Amazon's recent documentary about Melania Trump was an attempt to gain favor with President Donald Trump. During a lengthy interview on CNBC's Squawk Box on Wednesday, the Amazon founder defended the project as simply 'a good business decision.'
Bezos Responds to Claims
Host Andrew Sorkin raised the notion that the January release was intended 'to placate' the administration. Bezos, visibly animated, retorted: 'The Melania thing is a falsehood that will not die. We have denied it. Melania’s office has denied it. It’s not true. I had nothing to do with that.'
He cited reports suggesting his involvement, calling them inaccurate. 'It’s not true,' he repeated. 'It did very well in theaters, it has done very well on streaming.' The documentary has indeed performed strongly on Amazon Prime. 'People are very curious about Melania, so even though I had nothing to do with it, it appears that the Amazon team made a very wise business decision,' Bezos concluded.
Financial Details and Reception
The exchange comes months after Amazon paid $40 million to a production company linked to the first lady for the rights, plus another $35 million for marketing—a sum that drew scrutiny. The film has grossed about $16.6 million at the box office, exceeding expectations. Critics like Jimmy Kimmel suggested ticket sales were 'rigged' by suspicious bulk purchases. It also topped Amazon Prime's streaming charts upon its March premiere.
Bezos acknowledged the timing, noting a dinner with Trump in December. 'I know we did this at this Mar-a-Lago dinner,' he admitted. 'I can see why people say this. But this idea that somehow that is a way of buying influence, it’s just not correct.'
Amazon's Official Stance
Amazon's vice president of public policy, Brian Huseman, had earlier stated: 'We disagree with any suggestion that Amazon’s decision to license this film and accompanying series was improper. We regularly release documentaries that offer unique perspectives on cultural and historical figures across the political spectrum.' He added that the decision followed a 'thorough and competitive bidding process' and was based on the story's cultural and historical relevance.
Broader Context
Sorkin also referenced a perceived shift in tone at The Washington Post, which Bezos owns. Bezos has implemented changes to its Opinion Section, focusing on 'personal liberties and free markets,' and pulled a last-minute endorsement of Kamala Harris, causing staff and reader backlash.
Bezos married Lauren Sanchez in June. Melania Trump celebrated the documentary's streaming success on X, while Trump called it a 'must-see.' Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Hank Johnson launched a probe into whether the project was a 'pay-to-play arrangement,' but no findings have been announced.
