New book explores Donald Trump’s alleged fixation on 'The Apprentice' contestant Jennifer Murphy

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump's treatment of women has been a subject of controversy for years. Among those women is Jennifer Murphy, a former contestant on Season 4 of 'The Apprentice.'

The depth of their relationship is now being explored in Variety Editor-in-Chief Ramin Setoodeh's new tell-all book, 'Apprentice in Wonderland.'

In this book, Setoodeh uncovers the extent of Trump's alleged fixation on Murphy. Fellow Season 4 contestant Randal Pinkett recounted that Trump openly expressed his desire to develop a relationship with a woman seeking employment from him. Pinkett, who became the franchise's first Black winner, found these conversations shocking and inappropriate.

"I felt it was inappropriate, and not knowing Donald as well as I do now, it was in some ways shocking," Pinkett said. "This was a business show about business professionals. There’s no place for those conversations in a business context. It was unacceptable."

Specifically, regarding Murphy, Pinkett alleged that Trump said, "Oh, she's hot. Oh, I'd love to sleep with her."

From pageant contestant to 'The Apprentice'

Jennifer Murphy, 45, entered the public eye as a participant in the Miss USA pageant system, which Trump owned. Murphy met Trump during the Miss Oregon USA pageant in 2004. Although she didn't win, Trump approached her after the competition, telling her she was his "favorite" and encouraging her to audition for 'The Apprentice'.

"He said, 'You'd be great. Here’s my card. Make sure to call me. I'll make it happen'," Murphy recalled. Despite losing his card, Murphy tried out for the show through the traditional audition process and eventually got cast.

Murphy's audition outfit, which she calls her "magic suit," played a role in her selection. Upon being sent through as a finalist, she was lined up with four other women and entered a sequestered hotel room where Trump greeted her warmly, remembering her from the pageant.

Setoodeh's book reveals that there was significant pushback from series creator Mark Burnett about Murphy's inclusion. Season 4 was intended to feature "business overachievers," and Murphy's participation didn't align with this vision. However, Trump ignored Burnett's objections, believing that Murphy's looks would boost ratings.

Trump's favoritism towards Murphy was evident throughout the show. He introduced her to the heads of Lamborghini and frequently referred to her as his "favorite" in front of other contestants. This preferential treatment created tension among the other participants.

Post-elimination contact and the elevator 'kiss'

Even after firing Murphy, Trump continued to show interest in her. He called her the day after her elimination, stating that he didn't want to fire her but was pressured by the producers. He offered her two jobs: one in the Miss Universe organization and another at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Murphy reflected on Trump's behavior, noting, "I think he looked at me in a way like he does his daughter. But also, I did think he had the hots for me a little bit."

Murphy recounted a one-on-one meeting with Trump in his office that ended with him walking her to the elevator and kissing her on the lips. "I mean, he didn't push it," she said. "It was like, one, two, three — no tongue. I just let him give me the kiss. And I kind of turned red."

In 2016, Murphy publicly discussed the kiss, insisting she "wasn't offended" by Trump's actions. "He didn’t grab me. It was done in a way where I could have pushed back," she explained. "I know the difference, and I can feel the difference when someone is being predatory versus someone just really likes beautiful women."

A changing relationship

Despite Trump's offers, Murphy decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. One night, Trump called her, asking her to meet him in his room at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Murphy declined, citing her "conscience" and "integrity."

However, she later utilized some of the connections she had with Trump. She requested to get married on one of his properties, receiving a 20 percent discount on her total bill. She also managed to get Access Hollywood to feature segments on her July 2006 wedding, narrated by Billy Bush and Nancy O’Dell.

"He loves the cameras," Murphy remarked. "We were filming for quite a while that day. He gave me a kiss on the cheek on camera."

Murphy recalls that off camera, Trump expressed disbelief that she was marrying her dentist fiance. "He put his arm around me. It was off-camera. I think he smacked my butt a little. I was like, 'Goodness gracious!'"

Despite maintaining contact for a while, their relationship eventually soured. Murphy publicly addressed Trump's constant attacks on Rosie O'Donnell, stating, "That's not how I'd handle it." This led Trump to decline an invite to her movie premiere, feeling she was "disloyal" after "everything" he had done for her, People reported.

All communication ceased between the pair until after Murphy's 2007 divorce. At the time, she arrived at his office without an appointment, and they "basically reconnected."

"There is something sexy about a man who takes control and gets things done," she said, noting how she doesn't see the pair ever having a romantic relationship. "And I've always loved when someone is brilliant. I wasn’t physically attracted to him, but I was and am attracted to who he represents — now and then."

Despite their complicated past, Murphy plans to support Trump in the 2024 election. "I think he always had it in him to help our country," she said.