'Melania' movie producer reveals artists who refused to have music featured

The producerof "Melania,"thecontroversial documentarychronicling the first lady's life in the lead-up to the 2025 inauguration, is pulling the curtain back onits buzzy soundtrack.

Marc Beckman, anadvisor to Melania Trumpand a key figurein the film'sproduction,told Variety in a new interviewthat certain artists declined to have their songs featured.

"There was music that we tried to get, but sadly, there were politics to it," Beckman said in the interview published Monday. "For example, the guys from Guns N' Roses split down the middle politically. There was a beautiful song we wanted to use, and one of the guys – I don't want to name, it's not fair – said, 'You got it. Go.' And the other one was basically like, 'There's just no way.'"

First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> First lady Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The couple shared a smile for the cameras

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple greet the press.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere

First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere ofher "Melania" documentaryon Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.

'Melania' movie features Rolling Stones,Michael Jackson, Elvis songs

The movie,whichexceeded expectationsat the box officebut drew criticism from someover potential conflicts of interest, still included highly recognizable tunes. Released theatrically on Jan. 30, "Melania" included tracks like "Gimme Shelter," "Billie Jean" andAretha Franklin's rendition of "Amazing Grace."

Beckman revealed, however, that certain songs did not make it off the wish list.

"There was a song that we wanted to use from Grace Jones; obviously, also a tremendous amount of respect for her," he told Variety. "She apparently couldn't get over the political hurdle, notwithstanding the fact that the film is not a political film. So that was disappointing, too. It's disappointing when people put politics so far ahead, and that happened a little bit with the film, for sure."

First lady Melania Trump appears during her NYSE Opening Bell ceremony to celebrate the upcoming documentary film "Melania" at New York Stock Exchange on January 28, 2026 in New York City. Trump is giving the public a look into her life in the weeks before President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration with her highly anticipated documentary.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

First lady Melania Trump rings NYSE bell, promotes new documentary

First lady Melania Trumpappears during her NYSE Opening Bell ceremony to celebrate the upcoming documentary film "Melania" at New York Stock Exchange on January 28, 2026 in New York City.Trumpis giving the public a look into her life in the weeks beforePresident Donald Trump's2025 inauguration with herhighly anticipated documentary.

Brett Ratner'sMelania Trumpmoviehas an emotional disconnect – Review

Prince's music was also ultimately pulled, after his estate voiced concern over being associated with PresidentDonald Trump.

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"We were ready to go, and this lawyer that manages the estate was like, 'Prince would never want his song associated with Donald Trump,'" Beckman said. "And we're like, 'But it's not a Donald Trump film! He comes into the movie once in a while, but this is all about Melania. It's not political.' And that guy blocked it. It's so ridiculous."

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Prince's estate, Grace Jones and Guns N' Roses for comment.

The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple steps out for the world premiere.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> First lady Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> "Melania" director Brett Ratner

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> "Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Doug Collins and Lisa Collins

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere

Thenew "Melania" documentaryhad a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trumpfirst lady Melania Trump.

The producer also used the interview to respond to statements from Radiohead's Jonny Greenwoodand director Paul Thomas Anderson, who chided themakers of "Melania"for employing a soundtrack cue from their 2017 movie "Phantom Thread."

"It's funny – Radiohead is one of my all-time favorite bands. For them to have come out publicly and distanced themselves, I think that's just part of the unfortunate time we're living in," Beckman told Variety. "We went out and created a nice film that doesn't get into any kind of political policy or anything like that. The music at that moment is so perfect, honestly, I was so thrilled to be able to use it."

What the 'Melania' movie reveals(and what it leaves out)

Beckman's comments illustrate the sticky science of soundtrackinga movieamid a contentious relationship with the music industry. Though the president has celebrity supporters such asGeorge Strait,Nicki MinajandKid Rock, as well as tacit endorsements fromSnoop Dogg,Carrie UnderwoodandNelly– who all performed at various inauguration events – he has also been plagued byrocky relations with musiciansthroughout his time in office.

Over the years, A-list musicians including The Rolling Stones,Sabrina Carpenter,Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna andCéline Dionhave decried his administration's use of their music in everything frompromotional videos for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementtocampaign rallies.

Ultimately, "Melania"blended an original score with a patchwork of licensing.

See the full 'Melania' movie soundtrack

• Rolling Stones: "Gimme Shelter"

• Michael Jackson: "Billie Jean"

• Sylvie Vartan: "La Maritza"

• Aretha Franklin: Amazing Grace

• Tears for Fears: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (Instrumental)

• Giorgio Moroder: "Chase"

• Jonny Greenwood: "Barbara Rose"

• James Brown: "It's A Man's Man's Man's World"

• Elvis Presley: "An American Trilogy"

• Village People: "Y.M.C.A."

• The Crystals: "Then He Kissed Me"

• Jeff Danna: "What I'll Do"

• Boney M.: "Sunny"

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Patrick Ryan, Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'Melania' movie music – Producer reveals which artists declined

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February 25, 2026

'Melania' movie producer reveals artists who refused to have music featured

The producerof "Melania,"thecontroversial documentarychronicling the first lady's life in the lead-up to t...

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Superfan Supper Club, also debuting next month, will give VP VIP members the opportunity to join Bertinelli on camera and be part of the show.

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The memoir addresses Bertinelli's "insecurities that have haunted her for decades," including body image issues and a persistent need to be perfect.

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Valerie Bertinelli Announces ‘Next Chapter’ Including New Cooking Shows and a Podcast

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The duo's next show on "The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short" tour is slated for March 13 in Washington, D.C.

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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She largely remained out of the public eye throughout her life and career, though she did attend a handful of events with her father over the years to support him. She received a bachelor's degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and went on to earn her master's in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at988lifeline.org24/7.

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The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, ABC and Hulu.

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