An essay by former producer Bill Pruitt that appeared in Slate on Thursday, the same day as Donald Trump's historic criminal conviction, resurrected claims regarding the former president's actions on The Apprentice set. Although this is not a novel assertion, it has never been supported by specifics by a former resident.
According to Pruitt, Trump frequently made comments about women's appearances and used the n-word to disparage Kwame Jackson, a Black competitor. Recall Kwame? He nearly won the first season of the show.
Since we are discussing Donald Trump, these accusations might not be as shocking given that they are consistent with certain known aspects of his public and private persona. If you disagree with this, you are living in a fantasy land. This is who he is. Pruitt's direct testimony is presented in the Slate article, reinstating earlier claims that Trump used racial epithets.
Naturally, a spokesman for the Trump campaign refuted Pruitt's essay's assertions. It's uncertain how this essay might affect voters' perceptions as Trump tries to win over more women and Black voters in 2024, but most likely not for his cult. However, the essay brings Trump's troubling past back into focus.
Did you read this?
Pruitt describes how Apprentice producers skillfully hid Trump's racist and sexist remarks while he projected an image of a prosperous businessman. "We pulled a prank. We conned. Pruitt writes on Slate, "Nobody saw the bluffing, the alleged cheating, or his hair flying in the wind, nor heard the racist and misogynistic remarks.
Now hear this: if Pruitt is to be believed, Trump reportedly said, "Yeah, but, I mean, would America buy a n—winning?" in response to Jackson's impressive performance in the final challenge. Pruitt explained how these remarks were cut from the program and expressed skepticism about the tapes' eventual discovery.
Additionally, according to Pruitt, Trump publicly remarked on another woman's appearance, saying, "that's all I want to look at," and forbade a camera operator from accompanying him in an elevator because she was "too heavy." He also remembers Trump making a chest gesture about one of the competitors.
The essay resurrects well-known topics while emphasizing Trump's history of misogynistic and racist statements, which includes the infamous Access Hollywood tape and the more than two dozen women who have accused him of sexual misconduct.
These revelations will undoubtedly not sway the MAGA crowd, Trump's core supporters, but the essay rekindles debate about his views on minorities and women. As these accusations highlight, Trump faces significant obstacles in winning over critical swing voters in 2024.
