Apprentice

The film concludes with Donald Trump reflecting on his life and success during a conversation with Tony Schwartz, the ghostwriter of The Art of the Deal. Trump voices that his continuous pursuit of deals isn’t merely about business, but about the thrill of “winning” itself. He lays out three rules for success: always be on the attack, never admit wrongdoing, and claim victory regardless of the outcome. Interestingly, these rules are identical to those he learned from Roy Cohn earlier in the film, illustrating how deeply he has absorbed Cohn’s ruthless philosophy. Trump then claims that to be truly successful, one must be born with a “killer instinct,” emphasizing that he has suppressed any notion of weakness or vulnerability inherited from his past. This moment underscores the central theme: Trump has fully embraced the cutthroat, amoral mindset Cohn imparted, transforming himself into a relentless and ultimately monstrous figure.

In the final, haunting scene, Trump’s physical transformation into what the film depicts as a “monster” is symbolized by his undergoing liposuction and surgery to cover a bald spot. This detailed portrayal of cosmetic procedures acts as a metaphor for how Trump has shed whatever remaining human softness he once had, further emphasizing the process of dehumanization. The meticulous focus on his appearance signifies the final stage of creating a persona that is more image than person—an embodiment of the ruthless, self-absorbed figure the film has portrayed.

Throughout the story, Trump’s relationship with his family is painted as strained and dismissive. His dealings with his father and brother reveal a tendency to see vulnerability or struggle as weaknesses, which he chooses to silence or ignore. His father’s strict, harsh influence casts long shadows, and when Trump dismisses his brother’s addiction issues or mourns his death, he demonstrates little compassion, instead viewing these as signs of weakness. This attitude reinforces his belief that strength must come from emotional repression.

Ultimately, the film presents Trump’s transformation as the culmination of a cycle of greed, power, and loss of humanity. What began as a desire for success devolves into a denial of any human emotion, turning him into a figure consumed by his own ego. The film isn’t just a portrait of one man, but a reflection on the corrupting influence of American capitalism and the loss of morality in the pursuit of victory. It suggests that as Trump gains wealth and fame, he also loses his connection to genuine human compassion, becoming a symbol of the ruthless, monstrous side of ambition and power.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58