Donald Trump dubbed 'malignant narcissist' as author claims ex-prez admitted ratings are his 'whole life'

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump has admitted that television ratings "are his whole life," placing them above the importance of governing, according to a new biography.

Ramin Setoodeh, Co-Editor of Variety and author of 'Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass', shared insights from his extensive interviews with Trump on MSNBC's 'All In with Chris Hayes'.

Donald Trump's showbiz obsession beyond politics

Setoodeh revealed that Trump gave him expansive access following his departure from the presidency in 2021. Through their discussions, the author discovered that Trump’s primary passion lies in show business rather than politics. The author told the host that people would be surprised at "how little [Trump] actually cares about governing. He’s only interested in show business." Hayes read an excerpt from Setoodeh’s book that illustrated Trump’s obsession with ratings. 

It described Trump admiring a page from the Nielsen ratings published in a 2004 issue of Variety, showcasing 'The Apprentice' as the No 1 show for a week. The page is framed and prominently displayed in both his Trump Tower office and his Mar-a-Lago residence. Trump reportedly told Setoodeh, "This is my whole life," per Mediaite.

Trump's reality TV career skyrocketed with 'The Apprentice', and during the show's 2004 debut, his signature phrase "you're fired" became iconic. Setoodeh emphasized that Trump meant this statement sincerely, noting ratings are what drives him and that the audience is what is important to him.

When Hayes inquired why 'The Apprentice' was successful in shaping Trump's public image, Setoodeh explained, "It worked because he was funny on TV and he would say crazy things and be rewarded because on reality TV, the more outrageous you are, the better you do." 

Netizens react to Donald Trump's alleged admission about ratings

The revelations from Setoodeh's new biography on Trump have sparked a flurry of reactions across the Internet.

A social media user tweeted, "What else do you expect from a malignant narcissist? It’s always all about him."

Another chimed in, "Ramin is supposedly an accomplished journalist with a wildly impressive resume, but he seems surprised to find out that a politician is a narcissist. Also, are we to believe that 45 didn't have him sign an NDA?"

A third added, "This should surprise no one, right?"

"Well Duh!" an individual simply wrote.

"I believe that’s % accurate. For Trump, ratings are everything!" read a tweet.

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