The Apprentice: Fact vs. Fiction in 10 Moments

Ali Abbasi’s new film, The Apprentice, dives into the fascinating and turbulent relationship between Donald Trump and his infamous lawyer, Roy Cohn. This partnership, which helped define Trump’s rise to power, unfolds against the backdrop of the 1970s and ’80s—a time marked by political upheaval, legal battles, and relentless ambition. The movie doesn’t shy away from delving into the scandals, controversies, and cutthroat tactics that not only shaped Trump’s early career but also laid the foundation for the persona he would later project to the world.

Starring Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Cohn, the film vividly brings these complex and larger-than-life figures to the screen. Stan captures Trump’s brash confidence and ambition, while Strong delivers a chilling performance as the ruthless and manipulative Cohn. Together, their dynamic brings to life a story of power, loyalty, and betrayal that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago.

Abbasi masterfully balances historical detail with dramatic flair, creating a narrative that blurs the line between fact and fiction. The timing of the film’s release, just weeks before the 2024 presidential election, has added fuel to the debate surrounding its portrayal of real-life events. Abbasi has described The Apprentice as both “fact-based and fact-checked,” yet the movie’s controversial subject matter naturally raises questions about its accuracy. But how much of what’s shown is true? Let’s separate fact from fiction in this controversial biopic.

1. Was Roy Cohn Really as Ruthless as the Movie Portrays?

Absolutely.Roy Cohn, a lawyer notorious for his cutthroat tactics, was no stranger to controversy. His career spanned everything from prosecuting Soviet spies in the 1950s to defending mob bosses like Tony Salerno in the ’70s. Cohn’s unrelenting style was as brutal as the film depicts, often employing illegal maneuvers to win cases. His mentorship of Trump also helped shape the latter’s aggressive approach to business and politics.