Former US President Donald Trump has taken to social media to voice his anger over the new film The Apprentice, which opened in theatres on 11 October.
DONALD TRUMP AND THE APPRENTICE
Directed by Ali Abbasi, the movie focuses on Trump’s rise as a real estate tycoon in New York City. It also portrays his relationship with controversial lawyer Roy Cohn.
Trump’s reaction? He labelled it “a politically disgusting hatchet job” and didn’t hold back in his criticism.
But the director had a response of his own, showing he’s ready to talk about the film, despite Trump’s objections, according to Variety.
DONALD TRUMP TAKES TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote a scathing post.
He called the film “a FAKE and CLASSLESS Movie” and expressing disbelief that they could use the name The Apprentice.
Trump seemed particularly concerned about the timing of the movie’s release, just before the 2024 US Presidential Election.
“It’s a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job, put out right before the 2024 Presidential Election. It is trying to hurt the Greatest Political Movement in the History of our Country.
‘MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!’”
DONALD TRUMP AND SEBASTIAN STAN
In the film, Sebastian Stan portrays Trump, while Succession star Jeremy Strong plays Cohn, according to IMDB.
Trump’s first wife, Ivana, is played by Borat 2 actress Maria Bakalova. Despite Trump’s tirade, Abbasi has not shied away from addressing the former president’s comments.
“I’m available to talk further if you want,” Abbasi responded on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that his day was packed with press for The Apprentice, but he would try to make time for Trump the next day.
HARSH CRITICISM FROM DONALD TRUMP
It’s a bold move, considering Trump’s harsh criticism.
Trump did not stop there. In his post, he also had a few choice words for the film’s writer, Gabe Sherman. He called Gabe “a lowlife and talentless hack”.
Trump defended his relationship with his former wife, Ivana, calling her “a kind and wonderful person” and claimed that Sherman ignored the truth in the film’s portrayal of her.
The film has stirred up controversy since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, according to Forbes.
ELECTION INTERFERENCE
Even before its release, Trump’s campaign was already calling it “garbage” and “pure fiction”.
They threatened to file a lawsuit over what they called the film’s “blatantly false assertions.”
The campaign’s chief spokesperson, Steven Cheung, went as far as to call it “election interference” by “Hollywood elites.” He further fanned the flames of Trump’s claims of political bias in the film industry.
DIRECTOR OPEN TO A SIT DOWN
Abbasi, on the other hand, seemed unbothered. At the Cannes press conference, he offered to meet Trump in person and even screen the film for him.
“I don’t necessarily think this is a movie he would dislike,” he said. “I think he would be surprised, you know?”
As of now, The Apprentice continues its theatrical run, with viewers and critics weighing in on whether it’s a fair portrayal or a politically charged piece of cinema.
THE APPRENTICE
It remains to be seen whether Trump will take up Abbasi’s offer.
The film compares to local narratives by echoing familiar themes of political drama and media portrayal.
It reminds us once again that the line between entertainment and politics often blurs across the world.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DONALD TRUMP’S REACTION TO THE FILM THE APPRENTICE?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
