It was the star-studded premiere where the Trump administration’s top talent turned up en masse to celebrate the family matriarch’s new movie.
But one key player was missing, with Ivanka Trump nowhere to be seen on the red carpet for the First Lady’s blockbuster film – titled Melania – at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.
The 44-year-old and husband Jared Kushner, 45, were instead spotted earlier in the day at a glitzy event down in Miami Beach, where they live with their three children.
The couple were pictured leaving a high-profile JPMorgan Chase & Co event as they both seemed to be laying low.
Ivanka, of course, is Melania’s stepdaughter. Her mom is the late Ivana Trump, who was President Donald Trump’s first wife.
The former Presidential Advisor was seen leaving the event wearing a fuzzy, cornflower-blue sweater set, which she paired with large black sunglasses and a navy blue pleated skirt.
Her husband wore black jeans and a navy blue jacket, along with black sneakers.
While the couple remained in Miami, Melania and her husband walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Center.
Melania looked glamorous in a black, button-down long-sleeve jacket, which appeared to be made by one of her favorite designers, Dolce and Gabbana.
Ivanka Trump, 44, and husband Jared Kushner, 45, were instead spotted earlier in the day at a glitzy event down in Miami Beach, where they live with their three children
Her husband, Jared Kushner, wore black jeans and a navy blue jacket, along with black sneakers
The $2,495 jacket featured a slim-fit, along with an elegant collar and shiny black buttons.
Melania and President Trump were joined by a slew of famous faces, including stepson Don Jr. and his new fiancée, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson.
Many members of Trump’s cabinet also attended, like United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services RFK Jr., and United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Over the years, there have always been rumors of a rift between Ivanka and Melania, especially as Trump was elected for his first term in 2016.
However, the First Lady addressed the speculation in her 2024 memoir, Melania, as she opened up about her relationship with her stepchildren.
When Melania married husband in January 2005, he already had four kids from his previous marriages: daughter Ivanka, and sons Donald Jr., 48, and Eric 42, whom he had with ex Ivana, as well as daughter Tiffany, 32, whom he shares with Marla Maples.
After Melania wed Donald, they welcomed their first and only child together in 2006, 19-year-old son Barron.
While the couple remained in Miami, Melania and her husband walked the red carpet at the Kennedy Center
Melania looked glamorous in a black, button-down long-sleeve jacket, which appeared to be made by one of her favorite designers, Dolce and Gabbana
Melania and President Trump were joined by a slew of famous faces, including stepson Don Jr. and his new fiancée, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson
‘Stepping into a marriage with Donald, I found myself navigating the intricate dynamics of his big family,’ Melania wrote in her memoir.
‘It demanded flexibility and openness, but each moment was a chance to connect, learn, and grow in this new environment.’
She explained that by the time she had married Trump, many of her stepchildren had already become ‘more independent,’ and while Tiffany was in her ‘formative years,’ she was living with her mother in California.
‘My approach to building relationships with Donald’s children has always been grounded in love and respect,’ Melania wrote.
‘I recognize their individuality, understanding that, as their stepmother, my role is not to replace their mothers but to nurture a supportive and amicable connection,’ she continued.
‘This perspective has enabled me to cultivate meaningful relationships with each child in a unique way.’
However, she did maintain that she does not always agree with the opinions of her stepchildren, or even her own husband, it is a ‘natural aspect’ of any relationship.
‘While I may not agree with every opinion or choice expressed by Donald’s grown children, nor do I align with all of Donald’s decisions, I acknowledge that different viewpoints are a natural aspect of human relationships,’ the jewelry designer penned.
Melania previously revealed in her memoir how she navigated the relationship with her stepchildren: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric and Tiffany
‘It is essential to remember that each person is deserving of respect and understanding, regardless of disagreements,’ she continued.
‘I have focused on creating an environment where everyone feels free to express themselves authentically. Rather than impose my views or critiquing others, I have aimed to be a steady presence – someone they can rely on.’
Melania emphasized that in any of her relationships, whether it be as a wife or mother, she firmly believes in one principle and that is ‘don’t control, communicate!’
‘I understand that being possessive is not conducive to a healthy family dynamic. Each member requires their own space, and I have made it a priority to respect that need,’ Melania wrote.
Melania, which is set to debut in theaters around the country on Friday, follows the First Lady in the 20 days leading up to her husband’s inauguration in January 2025.
The trailer shows Melania in her element, ascending the stairs to her private jet in sky-high stilettos, marshaling business meetings in Mar-a-Lago and Manhattan, and stunning in her white-and-black inaugural ball gown.
Behind-the-scenes footage captures tender family moments with son Barron and her father, while also shining a light on the rigorous security standards that surround the First Family.
Amazon secured the film for $40 million – the largest documentary deal in history – after beating rivals Disney, Netflix and Paramount in a ferocious bidding war.
