Donald Trump’s legal team has issued a cease-and-desist to block the U.S. release of “The Apprentice,” a controversial biopic that portrays the former president’s early years in real estate and his relationship with notorious lawyer Roy Cohn. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim and an extended standing ovation, has stirred significant controversy due to its unflattering depiction of Trump.
The cease-and-desist letter sent by Trump’s attorneys demands that the filmmakers “cease and desist from all marketing, distribution, and publication of the movie.” The letter, written by Trump attorney David Warrington, claims the movie is a “concoction of lies that repeatedly defames President Trump and constitutes direct foreign interference in America’s elections.” Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung labeled the film “pure malicious defamation” and declared it “doesn’t even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire.”
“The Apprentice,” directed by Ali Abbasi and featuring a script by journalist Gabriel Sherman, casts Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn. The film portrays Trump as an ethically dubious, philandering developer involved in unsavory dealings, including a controversial scene depicting Trump raping his first wife, Ivana, and engaging in substance abuse.
Despite the legal threats, the filmmakers remain resolute. They describe the movie as a “fair and balanced portrait of the former president,” asserting that viewers should watch the film and make their own judgments. “We want everyone to see it and then decide,” the producers said.
At a press conference in Cannes, Abbasi responded to the legal threats with defiance and humor. “Everybody talks about him suing a lot of people—they don’t talk about his success rate though, you know?” Abbasi said. He even extended an olive branch, offering to screen the movie for Trump himself, adding, “I don’t necessarily think that this is a movie he would dislike.”
The legal skirmish over “The Apprentice” adds another layer of drama to Trump’s already tumultuous public life. Currently, Trump is facing 91 criminal charges across four different courtrooms, further complicating his bid for the presidency. His attempt to block the film’s release appears to be part of a broader strategy to control his public image as he navigates multiple legal challenges.
The reception of “The Apprentice” at Cannes suggests the film has struck a chord, garnering both significant praise and controversy. With its star-studded cast and provocative narrative, the movie has captivated audiences and critics alike, setting the stage for a contentious battle over its U.S. release. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public awaits to see whether “The Apprentice” will ultimately reach American screens, allowing audiences to witness this contentious portrayal of one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics.
