For the second time, Melania Trump has been recognized as the least favored first lady in modern polling history, according to data from YouGov released in late December 2025.
The approval rating of the former first lady has dropped to an all-time low of 36%. The data shows that 43% of Americans express dislike for her, while 18% remain neutral in their opinions.
Upon her departure from the White House in 2021, Melania Trump held a 42% approval rating, which was then the lowest for any first lady. She has now surpassed her own previous record of unpopularity.
This negative public perspective significantly contrasts with the high approval ratings of other first ladies such as Michelle Obama. During her time in the White House, Obama led numerous programs that formed her distinct identity, including initiatives to increase educational opportunities for Americans and combat childhood obesity.
The release of the YouGov data coincides with renewed attention to Melania Trump’s public role and business activities. Amazon MGM Studios paid $40 million for documentary rights for a film about her. The film, titled “Melania,” will be the first production of the newly formed Muse Films.
A trailer for the documentary, released in mid-December 2025, displays scenes from the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. It follows Melania Trump as she coordinates inauguration arrangements and navigates the White House transition.
In the trailer, Melania Trump is seen at various locations, including the White House and Mar-a-Lago. In one scene, she is seen speaking to her husband on the phone, congratulating him and stating that she will watch it on the news.
The documentary will hit theaters on January 30, 2026, and later stream on Prime Video. Brett Ratner, accused of sexual misconduct by six women in 2017, directs the film.
According to journalist Mary Jordan’s 2020 book “The Art of Her Deal,” Melania Trump and her son Barron Trump hold dual U.S.-Slovenia citizenship. Melania Trump became a U.S. citizen in 2006 after moving from Slovenia to the United States and maintains connections to her home country through language and familial citizenship.
A recent legislative proposal could potentially affect the Trump family’s citizenship status. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced a bill to ban dual citizenship in December 2025. The Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025 would require U.S. citizens also holding foreign citizenship to renounce their non-U.S. citizenship within a year of the act’s implementation.
Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney who previously represented Melania Trump, criticized the proposed bill. Wildes labeled the bill as “preposterous” and highlighted that the United States allows its citizens to maintain dual nationality.
Donald Trump’s net worth is estimated to be $5.1 billion, while Melania Trump’s is reported to be at $70 million. These financial figures represent the couple’s various business ventures and real estate holdings over the years.
Social media users have reacted to Melania Trump’s recent post outlining her 2025 achievements. Some have criticized the timing of the post, which was shortly before the release of the YouGov poll. Others have questioned the authenticity of her listed accomplishments.
The unfavorable public opinion concerning Melania Trump has been attributed to several factors. These include her association with Donald Trump’s divisive political image, her low public profile, and various controversies during her tenure in the White House. She maintained a relatively private presence compared to her predecessors, making fewer public appearances and engaging minimally with the media.
The launch of the documentary and production company marks Melania Trump’s most prominent public pursuits since leaving the White House. The film provides exclusive footage of critical meetings and private conversations, promising what the producers describe as an unprecedented glimpse into the first lady’s life.
Barron Trump continues to remain largely away from the public eye, with Melania Trump consistently guarding his privacy throughout Donald Trump’s political career.
