During a visit to Trump Tower in August 2021, journalist Ramin Setoodeh found himself listening to Donald Trump discuss his supposed contributions to the late comedian Joan Rivers. Trump then abruptly mentioned his involvement in Afghanistan, before getting distracted and asking Setoodeh to play an old clip from “Celebrity Apprentice” on the TV.
Setoodeh pondered whether Trump had forgotten that President Joe Biden had denied him regular intelligence briefings. However, Trump seemed unfazed and continued reminiscing about his time on “The Apprentice.” Setoodeh’s new book, “Apprentice in Wonderland,” delves into the bizarre realm of reality TV that shaped Trump into a political figure.
Setoodeh argues that producer Mark Burnett played a pivotal role in crafting the Trump persona, boosting his ego and concealing his flaws through strategic editing, writes The Washington Post in a review.
Despite its unconventional nature, Setoodeh’s analysis of Trump’s television persona is both engaging and thought-provoking.
While most former presidents focus on their political legacies, Setoodeh observes that Trump remains fixated on his television career. Trump’s self-centered musings, from his inflated election victory claims to his disparaging remarks about celebrities, are detailed in the book.
Setoodeh delves into the intricacies of “The Apprentice” show and its cast, shedding light on Trump’s lingering attachment to his celebrity status. Trump’s nostalgic fondness for his TV days contrasts sharply with his contentious tenure as president, highlighting his ongoing obsession with fame.
Although Setoodeh’s deep dive into the world of reality TV may not captivate all readers, his exploration of Trump’s enduring celebrity persona offers a unique perspective on the former president’s psyche.
Lost in a maze of distorted truths and self-promotion, the former and potential future leader of the United States is still fixated on his past television triumphs from decades ago. His world of opulence now lies beneath a layer of dust, resembling a faded memory of its former glory. According to Setoodeh, “Trump Tower” now resembles a dilapidated mansion akin to Grey Gardens but without the feline companions.
At times, it seems as though he is unaware of the audience before him,” writes Setoodeh. While his recollection of Oval Office events is fuzzy, every detail from his time on “The Apprentice” remains crystal clear in his mind. With a flushed face brimming with enthusiasm, he speaks like a retired high school coach reminiscing in a diner.
One of the most pitiful moments in the book depicts Trump standing proudly before his wall adorned with accolades, including a framed page displaying his Nielsen ratings from “The Apprentice.” In a nostalgic tone reminiscent of Miss Havisham, he proclaims, “This is my entire existence.”
Despite the apparent value he places on these ratings, likened to that of the U.S. Constitution, Trump still exaggerates the viewership numbers just as effortlessly as he distorts other facts.
After enduring six interviews, Setoodeh began to feel fatigued, finding himself sympathizing with individuals like Sean Spicer who were forced to endure Trump’s relentless self-aggrandizement.
Despite the weariness, they continued to watch video clips together. Setoodeh notes, “He delights in these moments like a child experiencing ‘Star Wars’ for the first time. Discussing ‘The Apprentice’ seems to have a calming effect on him, like a soothing balm on a patient with pneumonia.
The former president eagerly anticipated a book detailing his reality TV glory days, anticipating praise and offering to promote it at rallies. Confidence exuded as he predicted, “It will be a tremendous success, like all my other books.”
Ultimately, “Apprentice in Wonderland” achieves the unimaginable: evoking a sense of sympathy for Donald Trump.
“We’ve ventured into a twisted realm with Trump,” Setoodeh concludes. “He has consumed everything around him, growing larger at our expense, leaving us as mere pawns in his game. Unlike Alice, waking up from this nightmare won’t be as simple.”
