Donald Trump expressed his outrage towards the new film “The Apprentice,” referring to it as a “pile of garbage” created by “human scum.” In a post on his Truth Social account, he criticized the screenwriter, journalist Gabe Sherman, and hoped that the film, which he deemed as “fake and classless,” would be a box office failure. Trump accused the movie of being a defamatory hatchet job released before the 2024 Presidential Election to undermine his political movement, which he considers to be the greatest in U.S. history. Directed by Ali Abbasi, “The Apprentice” features Sebastian Stan as a young Trump establishing himself as a New York real estate developer, with Jeremy Strong playing his mentor Roy Cohn.
Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the controversial biopic portrays Trump as an amphetamine-addled slumlord and includes a scene where he is depicted as raping his first wife, Ivana Trump, played by Maria Bakalova. Trump disputed this portrayal in his social media post, describing Ivana as a kind and wonderful person with whom he had a great relationship until her death. Ivana Trump had previously used the word “rape” to describe an incident in her divorce case with Donald but later recanted the accusation. Trump criticized Sherman for ignoring what he believed were the facts about his relationship with Ivana, referring to him as a talentless hack and human scum participating in efforts to harm a political movement that transcends individuals.
Despite Trump’s attempts to halt the film’s release through legal means, “The Apprentice” struggled to find a distributor in the U.S. With the film eventually hitting theaters and opening to weak ticket sales, earning only $1.6 million, Trump seems to be achieving his wish of the movie being a box office disappointment. The former president’s strong condemnation of the film and its creators reflects his deep dissatisfaction with the portrayal of his character and his relationships in the biopic. The controversy surrounding “The Apprentice” has sparked widespread debate and criticism, with Trump and Sherman at odds over the accuracy and integrity of the film’s depiction of real events and personalities.
“The Apprentice” has faced backlash from Trump and his supporters, who view the movie as a politically motivated attack aimed at undermining his legacy and campaign for the presidency in 2024. The film’s portrayal of Trump as a ruthless and amoral figure has drawn sharp criticism from those who know him personally and have different perspectives on his character and legacy. The controversy surrounding the movie has shed light on the complex relationship between politics, entertainment, and media representation, raising questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers and journalists in portraying real-life figures and events. As the debate over “The Apprentice” continues, it underscores the enduring impact of Trump’s presidency and the divisive opinions surrounding his leadership and personal life.
Despite the negative reception and controversy surrounding “The Apprentice,” the film has succeeded in sparking dialogue and debate about the portrayal of public figures in popular media and the ethical boundaries of creative expression. Trump’s vocal opposition to the movie has highlighted his sensitivities and insecurities surrounding his public image and how he is perceived by the public and media. The contentious release and reception of “The Apprentice” reflect broader tensions and divisions within American society regarding politics, media, and cultural representation. As the film continues to generate controversy and criticism, it serves as a reminder of the power of popular media to shape public perceptions and influence political narratives. The legacy of “The Apprentice” and its impact on public discourse and political engagement are likely to endure long after the controversy surrounding its release has faded.
