Trump Team Tried To Suppress ‘The Apprentice’, Makers Did This To Ensure Film Stays In Theatre For Long

The release plans for the long-awaited Donald Trump movie The Apprentice have taken another twist.

In an unconventional move, the filmmakers have launched a Kickstarter campaign titled ‘Release the Apprentice’ to ‘ensure the film remains in theatres as widely and as long as possible,’ according to a press release.

The campaign offers tiered rewards based on donation levels, such as a $25 contribution allowing donors to stream the film after its theatrical release and a $100 donation granting them a spot in a special section of the end credits.

Higher-tier pledges include unique rewards like one of three toupees worn by Stan on-screen and VIP tickets to the film’s premiere in NYC.

‘The obstacles we have faced releasing this movie are well documented. Our distribution was blocked. We were hit with a cease and desist from Trump’s lawyers,’ reads the Kickstarter website.

‘Major media companies were afraid to show you this movie. Releasing this movie has become a DAVID and GOLIATH struggle, but with your support, you can help #ReleaseTheApprentice,’ it added.

‘The Apprentice’, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, is directed by renowned Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi and written by Vanity Fair reporter Gabe Sherman.

The film delves into Donald Trump’s (played by Stan) ascent to power in 1980s America, heavily influenced by right-wing attorney Roy Cohn, portrayed by Jeremy Strong. Martin Donovan (Tenet) takes on the role of Fred Trump Sr., while Oscar and Golden Globe nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm) plays Ivana Trump.

Since its festival debut, the film's release has faced significant uncertainty.

Dan Snyder, a pro-Trump billionaire whose company Kinematics provided equity for the film in exchange for domestic rights, was reportedly unhappy with the portrayal of Trump and attempted to prevent its release.

In today’s Kickstarter announcement, executive producer Amy Baer emphasized, ‘The Apprentice is, above all, a humanist film, which sets it apart from all the political noise.’

Producer Dan Beckerman added, ‘Despite the film’s integrity, Trump’s campaign sought to suppress it without even seeing it. The notion that artists can no longer freely critique the powerful is deeply troubling. We need your support to decisively reject this dangerous precedent.’

Trump has condemned The Apprentice, with his camp threatening legal action against the movie, stating, ‘This trash is pure fiction, sensationalizing lies that have been thoroughly debunked.’

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