Let's be honest here, Donald Trump doesn't have the best legacy when it comes to film or TV... Heck, there are rumors that he forced himself into certain films, like take 'Home Alone' as an example. They used his hotel, only under the circumstances that he was added into the film.
Given the stir that he caused in the recent years, politically, he was removed from the very cameo... yikes.
He struck out a few times, though he did enjoy success as the host of 'The Apprentice'. Created by Mark Burnett, the producer approached Trump about the role. At first, believe it or not, Donald wasn't into the idea, as he referred to reality TV as the work of "bottom feeders." Of course, he did.
Burnett was able to change Trump's perception and instead, Donald was allowed to play himself and show off his savvy business skills.
The rest is history and the show ran for 15 seasons along with a near 200 episodes. The show is remembered for a lot of things, and one of them isn't another host that wasn't Donald Trump. In fact, briefly, the show tried someone else, and let's just say things didn't work.
Trump was quick to pounce on the failed host, blaming him for the show's plummeting ratings. Let's find out who that is, along with what the iconic actor had to say in return.
The Show Saved His TV Career
To sum up, Mark Burnett saved Donald Trump's career with the show. He got wealthier because of it and at the time, he was able to restore his image. According to the New Yorker, Trump was struggling financially at the time, however, the series showed him in a different light.
"The Apprentice” portrayed Trump not as a skeezy hustler who huddles with local mobsters but as a plutocrat with impeccable business instincts and unparalleled wealth—a titan who always seemed to be climbing out of helicopters or into limousines."
In truth, things were very different for Donald at the time, "Most of us knew he was a fake,” Braun told me. “He had just gone through I don’t know how many bankruptcies. But we made him out to be the most important person in the world. It was like making the court jester the king.”
According to Donald himself, he made over $200 million during his time on the show, and in addition, he was able to repair his image and gain new sponsorship deals along the way.
When it was time to enter the world of politics, the show tried to keep the revolving door moving. However, a certain host didn't get the job done and Trump made it be known.
Trump Called Arnold The Worst
Arnold Schwarzenegger took over as the host for one season, though he wouldn't return a second time. At first, it was said that Arnold stepped down from the position. However, Trump was quick to point out that Arnold wasn't telling the entire story.
“Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t voluntarily leaving the Apprentice, he was fired by his bad (pathetic) ratings, not by me,” Trump wrote in a message on his personal Twitter account. “Sad end to great show.”
Surely enough, Arnold had a different side of the story. He was quick to roast Trump and in his view, he was put in a position to fail from the start.
Here's what Arnold had to say about the quick release.
Arnold Fought Back
If he would be asked to do it again, Arnold stated that he would decline. According to the iconic figure, his time on the show and dealing with everyone was very enjoyable, however, being associated with Donald was not.
“With Trump being involved in the show people have a bad taste and don’t want to participate as a spectator or as a sponsor or in any other way support the show. It’s a very divisive period now and I think this show got caught up in all that division.”
“It’s not about the show… because everyone I ran into came up to me and said ‘I love the show… but I turned it off because as soon as I read Trump’s name I’m outta there!"
Not the first, nor will it be the last Donald Trump feud.
As for the show's future, it is said that there was discussion of a revival and that ratings would soar with Trump back in the driver seat, given, well, everything that has gone on in recent years.
One thing we know for sure, it won't be Arnold.
Sources: New Yorker, Variety & Reuters