Donald Trump’s reported remarks about Joan Rivers have caused controversy online, with claims that the former president said the late comedian voted for him in 2016, despite her passing away in 2014. These claims were made in Ramin Setoodeh’s book, “Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass,” which explores Trump’s time hosting The Apprentice. Setoodeh, who interviewed Trump multiple times, described the process as challenging, noting that Trump would become confused and struggle with the chronology of events.
In the book, Trump mentioned Rivers, suggesting that she “might have been a Republican” and that she had voted for him. Rivers, who won Season 2 of Celebrity Apprentice in 2009, was known for her controversial humor and political views. Despite joking about Barack Obama and his wife in the past, she was also a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, advocating for marriage equality and expressing her love for LGBTQ individuals. Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, has stated that her mother was fiscally conservative but socially liberal, choosing to support the politician or party that best represented her values at the time.
Many online users expressed disbelief at Trump’s claims about Rivers voting for him, with some suggesting that she would not support his policies, particularly his stance on LGBTQ rights. Trump has been criticized for his plans to roll back LGBTQ rights if re-elected, including banning gender affirming care for minors and terminating diversity and inclusion programs. Rivers, who was known for her progressive views on LGBTQ issues, would likely have disagreed with Trump on these matters. Despite their differing political beliefs, Rivers’ legacy as a groundbreaking comedian and advocate for social causes continues to be celebrated.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, dismissed the controversy as “Fake News” and accused critics of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Despite these claims, the interview excerpt shared online by @Acyn has garnered over 306,000 views, sparking further debate about Trump’s statements regarding Rivers. The online response highlights the strong reactions to Trump’s remarks and the ongoing scrutiny of his actions, both during his time in office and since leaving the White House.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Trump’s reported remarks about Joan Rivers sheds light on the complexities of their relationship and the divergent views they held on political and social issues. While Rivers was known for her humor and outspoken commentary, Trump’s statements have sparked debate about his understanding of reality and the boundaries of truth. As the discussion continues, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that both public figures have had on American culture and the ongoing debates over their legacies.
