Gabriel Sherman's "The Apprentice" – Trump, Cohn, and a Legacy of Monstrous Deceit
The Lincoln Project
Key Insights
Why did Gabriel Sherman decide to write 'The Apprentice'?
Sherman was inspired by his coverage of the 2016 presidential campaign, where he noticed the influence of Roy Cohn on Trump's political tactics and character. He saw the relationship between Cohn and Trump as the origin story of Trump's political playbook.
Why did Roy Cohn and Donald Trump first intersect?
They met in 1973 at an exclusive New York City nightclub when Trump was in his late 20s and facing a lawsuit from the Justice Department for housing discrimination. Cohn advised Trump not to settle and to file a countersuit, which led to the Trump family hiring Cohn and Trump being taken under his wing.
What are Roy Cohn's three rules for politics that he taught Trump?
Attack, attack, attack; admit nothing, deny everything; and never admit defeat, always claim victory.
Why is Donald Trump's physical vanity significant in the film?
Trump's vanity, including his liposuction and hair transplants, is a visual metaphor for the transformation of his character. It highlights his insecurities and the creation of his public persona under Cohn's influence.
How did Trump's early relationship with Roy Cohn shape his political career?
Cohn taught Trump to manipulate the media, use ad hominem attacks, and adopt a win-at-all-costs mentality. This laid the foundation for Trump's political tactics and his rise to power.
Why did Trump and his campaign try to block the release of 'The Apprentice'?
Trump's campaign, without seeing the film, released a scorched-earth statement and made legal threats, causing major Hollywood studios to back away. This was part of a multi-front battle to prevent the film's release, which ultimately failed.
What does the film reveal about Trump's character and morality?
The film shows Trump's transformation from an ambitious but insecure young man to a megalomaniac with a complete moral vacuum. It highlights his willingness to sacrifice his morality for power and the influence of Roy Cohn in shaping his character.
Why is 'The Apprentice' considered an important film?
It provides a character study of Trump, revealing the origins of his political tactics and the dark legacy of Roy Cohn's influence. The film also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sacrificing morality for power.
Chapters
- Trump's 2016 campaign tactics echoed those of Roy Cohn.
- The film 'The Apprentice' explores the mentor-mentee relationship between Cohn and Trump.
- Cohn's three rules for politics: attack, attack, attack; admit nothing, deny everything; never admit defeat, always claim victory.
Shownotes Transcript
