The Controversial Legacy of Donald Trump: A Critical Analysis

The upcoming biopic, “The Apprentice,” delves into Donald Trump’s formative years as an apprentice under lawyer Roy Cohn. In the trailer, we see a young and eager Trump portrayed by Sebastian Stan, learning valuable life lessons from Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. These lessons include the importance of always “attack, attack, attack,” to “admit nothing, deny everything,” and to “never admit defeat.” It is clear that these teachings have shaped Trump’s persona as a relentless and combative public figure.

“The Apprentice” has faced backlash and controversy since its debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. One of the most shocking scenes depicted in the trailer shows Trump allegedly engaging in the rape of his first wife, Ivana Trump, portrayed by Maria Bakalova. Trump attempted to block the release of the film by sending a cease and desist letter in May. However, the producers defended the movie as “a fair and balanced portrait of the former president.” This controversial portrayal is bound to stir up further debate upon the film’s release.

Political Implications

The timing of the trailer’s release coincides with Trump’s upcoming debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. The film’s depiction of Trump’s aggressive and unyielding attitude, influenced by Cohn’s teachings, is likely to be reflected in the debate. With rules in place to maintain decorum during the debate, such as muted mics during opponent responses, the influence of Cohn’s life lessons on Trump’s conduct may become evident on the debate stage.

“The Apprentice” is scheduled to hit theaters on October 11th, promising to offer a deep dive into the controversial legacy of Donald Trump. The film’s portrayal of Trump’s early years as an apprentice under Roy Cohn, as well as the subsequent impact of those teachings on his public persona, is sure to spark dialogue and debate among audiences. As the controversial figure of Trump continues to loom large in the political landscape, “The Apprentice” offers a critical examination of the man behind the headlines.