After a stronger-than-anticipated debut, Amazon’s Melania saw its box office drop 67 per cent in its second weekend, earning an estimated $2.37 million.

The documentary on United States First Lady, Melania Trump, has now grossed $13.5 million, nearly all from the U.S., making it highly unlikely that the film, acquired by Amazon for $40 million and marketed for $35 million, will recoup its costs in theaters.

Before Melania’s release, a former Amazon film executive questioned whether its steep price tag was motivated by anything other than “currying favor” with the Trump administration or “an outright bribe.”

While box office typically slows during Super Bowl weekend, the top film, Send Help, only fell 47 per cent.

Melania, which had been third last weekend, dropped to ninth place.

Anticipating scrutiny over the film’s decline, Amazon released a statement from Kevin Wilson, head of its domestic theatrical distribution.

Wilson said, “Together, theatrical and streaming represent two distinct value creating moments that amplify the film’s overall impact.”