Trump Hits Back at “The Apprentice” Movie Allegations: Defamatory Claims?

Donald Trump has sharply criticized a new film about his rise in business, stoking controversy and reflecting his often polarizing public persona.

At a Glance

Donald Trump labeled “The Apprentice” film as “FAKE and CLASSLESS” and claims it’s defamatory.
He questioned the filmmakers’ rights to the title and suggested political motives behind its release.
A poor box office performance contrasted with favorable critic reviews and an audience rating.
Controversial scenes include depictions of alleged personal and business conduct.

Trump’s Reaction

Donald Trump expressed vehement disapproval of the biographical film “The Apprentice,” which explores his early business career and ascent in New York City. He condemned the movie as a “politically disgusting hatchet job,” voicing his disdain on social media platforms. His condemnation came shortly after the film’s underwhelming box office performance, grossing approximately $1.5 million against a $16 million production budget. Trump labeled the film “FAKE and CLASSLESS,” criticizing its portrayal of his life and career.

Amidst his critique, Trump questioned the legal rights of the filmmakers to use the title “The Apprentice,” alluding to potential legal action due to the film’s defamatory nature. Trump suggested the timing of the film’s release aimed to negatively impact his political campaign, adding a layer of political intrigue to the discourse. His spokesperson hinted at legal retaliation, claiming the film’s intent was to damage Trump’s reputation by sensationalizing inaccuracies.

Donald Trump took shots at ‘The Apprentice,’ on Truth Social, calling the film a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.” https://t.co/6DN4rGZDT7

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) October 14, 2024

Critical and Financial Reception

The movie encountered a disappointing debut at the box office yet managed to capture critical praise, marked by a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 86% audience rating. It gained an eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes, intensifying the discourse surrounding its release. Despite its artistic accolades, the film struggled initially to secure a distributor, with rights ultimately acquired by Briarcliff Entertainment.

Trump dismissed the film as being a “cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job.”

Adding to the film’s complexity, controversy arose over its content, including scenes that depicted intimate and legally sensitive moments from Trump’s past. Filmmakers Gabriel Sherman and Ali Abbasi explored Trump’s business maneuvers in 1970s New York, often veering into personal territory. These elements sparked divisiveness among viewers and stakeholders, notably inciting investor displeasure regarding the film’s narrative direction.

Donald Trump would like to fire ‘The Apprentice.’ https://t.co/qtZp04n8Uf

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) October 15, 2024

Public and Political Implications

The film’s portrayal of Donald Trump, while supported by some critics, remains controversial due to its unflattering representation of his personal and professional life. Key scenes involved racially charged language and questionable business tactics, raising questions about artistic freedom versus personal privacy. Trump’s relationship with political advisor Roy Cohn factored into the story, underscoring a philosophy that Trump reportedly adhered to in his business pursuits.

The film’s narrative touched on accusations that rekindled public debate regarding Trump’s past. The movie attempts to present a comprehensive overview of Trump’s career, from real estate magnate to cultural icon, without omitting the controversies that punctuate his journey. Public response may reflect persistent divisions surrounding his legacy and ongoing political influence.