Amazon’s $75M Melania Film Deal: Trump’s Corporate Bribery Model?
NEWS & RESEARCH
Amazon MGM Studios reportedly spent a record $75 million to acquire and promote the documentary Melania. The deal included a $40 million acquisition fee—outbidding Disney by $26 million—and a $35 million marketing budget. With only $16.6 million in returns, the project is falling far short of breaking even. When Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) reportedly sought to improve its relationship with the White House, WBD was told to look at the deal Amazon struck.
SOURCES: New York Times | Variety | Wall Street Journal | Business Insider | Campaign Legal Center
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Critics and lawmakers observed that the Melania deal seemed to be a clear gift to Trump from Amazon. One critic called it “a gift from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to the Trump administration.” Variety’s chief correspondent Daniel D’Addario wrote that the film was, “not $75 million worth of movie.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren stated: “The logical explanation is that Amazon is trying to buy the President’s favor…This looks like bribery in plain sight.”
SOURCES: Business Insider | Variety | Statement: Elizabeth Warren
HOW TO FIX IT
Federal actions:
Investigate Misconduct: Continue probes into Amazon’s contracting practices for potential anti-competitive behavior.
Close Contract Loopholes: Limit exemptions for no-bid and noncompetitive "sole-source" contracts.
Mandate Financial Transparency: Pass the Presidential Conflicts of Interest Accountability Act, requiring the First Family to disclose interests and divest from potential conflicts.
Strengthen Enforcement: Bolster conflict-of-interest statutes and create more robust mechanisms for oversight.
Legislation: H.R.7207 - Presidential Conflicts of Interest Accountability Act | S.3548 - Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025
