Summary
Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the biopic “The Apprentice,” which dramatizes his early career and relationship with attorney Roy Cohn. He labeled the film as “defamatory” and a “hatchet job,” claiming it aims to undermine his political movement ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
The film, which opened shortly before the election, portrays Trump’s rise in the 1970s and 1980s, including controversial depictions of his personal life and business dealings. Trump responded to the film’s release by attacking its writer, Gabriel Sherman, and defending his late ex-wife, Ivana Trump, against the film’s portrayal. His social media posts expressed frustration over the film’s timing and content, asserting that it was designed to damage his reputation and political ambitions. Despite the controversy, the film struggled at the box office, finishing its opening weekend in tenth place with only $1.6 million in ticket sales.
Trump’s Response
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his disdain for the film, criticizing its title and questioning the filmmakers’ rights to use “The Apprentice.” He described the movie as “cheap” and “politically disgusting,” suggesting it was an attempt to harm his “Make America Great Again” movement.
Box Office Performance
Despite the attention from Trump, “The Apprentice” did not perform well in theaters, earning a modest sum during its opening weekend. This underwhelming reception indicates that the film may not have resonated with audiences as the filmmakers had hoped.
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