Melania Trump rings New York Stock Exchange bell before movie release

First lady Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Jan. 28, ahead of her upcoming documentary release.

The film, "Melania," documents her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.

Ahead of the opening bell, the first lady, clad in a long black overcoat and leather corset, likened the storytelling in her film as a driver of culture.

"Films bring families and friends together, sitting side-by-side, sharing the collective moment," Melania Trump said. "In doing do they will not simply watch my film, they will participate in a great American tradition and become part of our nation's history."

The ringing of the NYSE opening bell, which starts the day's trading, has long been used as a platform for companies and public figures alike to promote themselves during an often highly publicized event.

Days earlier, Melania Trump hosted a private screening of the film at the White House, which marked the first time her husband watched it in full. Later, he took to social media to do promotion of his own.

"MELANIA, the Movie, is a MUST WATCH," Trump wrote in a Jan. 26 post on X. "Get your tickets today – Selling out, FAST!"

The movie is set for a global release in select movie theaters on Friday, Jan. 30.