The Apprentice: A Controversial Biopic Sparks Outrage from Trump

The release of a new biopic about former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The film, titled "The Apprentice," follows Trump's rise to prominence in the 1980s, but its depiction of the former president has drawn sharp criticism from the man himself. As the movie struggles at the box office, Trump has taken to social media to lambaste the production, calling it a "fake and classless" attempt to undermine his political legacy.

A Scathing Rebuke from the Former President

Trump Lashes Out at the Film's "Hatchet Job"

The former president wasted no time in voicing his displeasure with the new biopic. Shortly after the film's opening weekend, which saw it land in 10th place at the box office with a meager $1.6 million in ticket sales, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to unleash a scathing attack on the production.In his post, Trump described the film as a "cheap, defamatory and politically disgusting hatchet job," accusing the filmmakers of timing its release to coincide with the 2024 presidential election in an effort to "hurt the Greatest Political Movement in the History of our Country." He also questioned whether the filmmakers had the right to use the title "The Apprentice" without his approval, a clear reference to the reality TV show that helped cement his celebrity status.

Defending His Legacy and Attacking the Filmmakers

Trump's ire extended beyond the film itself, as he also took aim at the writer, Gabe Sherman, whom he dismissed as a "lowlife and talentless hack" who has been "widely discredited." The former president also defended his relationship with his first wife, Ivana, whom he described as a "kind and wonderful person" with whom he had a "great relationship until the day she died."Trump's comments reflect a broader pattern of the former president's attempts to control his public image and narrative. He has long been known for his combative approach to media coverage, often lashing out at journalists and publications he deems unfavorable. The release of "The Apprentice" appears to have struck a particularly sensitive nerve, as Trump seeks to protect his legacy and political aspirations.

The Controversial Depiction of Trump's Life

The film's portrayal of Trump's early years has been a source of controversy, with the inclusion of a scene depicting the former president raping his first wife, Ivana, during their divorce proceedings. While Ivana later recanted her claim, the scene has nonetheless sparked outrage and debate.The film also delves into Trump's relationship with the late Roy Cohn, a controversial political fixer and attorney who is portrayed as a mentor to the young Trump, played by Sebastian Stan. The film suggests that Cohn's influence helped shape the Trump that the public has come to know.

The Ongoing Battle for Control of the Narrative

Trump's response to the film underscores the ongoing battle for control of the narrative surrounding his life and legacy. As a public figure who has long cultivated a carefully curated image, the former president is clearly unwilling to cede that control to a biopic that he perceives as unflattering and politically motivated.The release of "The Apprentice" comes at a critical juncture for Trump, as he prepares to potentially launch another bid for the presidency in 2024. The film's portrayal of his early years and the controversies surrounding it could have significant implications for his political future, making his vehement response all the more understandable.Ultimately, the battle over "The Apprentice" is a microcosm of the larger struggle for the public's perception of Donald Trump – a battle that is likely to continue long after the film's release.