I had the opportunity to sit down with actor Sebastian Stan, who is generating Oscar buzz for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in the new biopic “The Apprentice.” In a candid interview, Stan did not hold back his criticisms of the former president and current Republican presidential nominee.
Muddling The Truth
Stan, who was born in Romania and immigrated to the U.S. at age 12, expressed deep concerns about Trump’s impact on the American political landscape. “There are people who will say, ‘We don’t know what the truth is anymore.'” That’s the problem!” he exclaimed. “Trump has muddled it up so much. You can create your own truth at this point; believe what you want, and that’s what people are doing.”
The actor suggested that the film offers a more immersive experience than the daily news cycle, allowing viewers to truly grapple with the question, “Do you trust this person? Do you really trust that this guy is going to make a decision that’s good for you or good for him?” focused on himself, not the people.
Stan expressed his assessment of Trump’s motivations without holding back. Stan asserts that a paranoid and scared individual is persistently striving to gain entry into Manhattan’s membership club and secure a wall plaque. He isn’t caring about your situation. His priority is to reach there first.
The actor, who has portrayed real-life figures such as Tommy Lee and Jeff Gillooly, expressed his attraction to the role due to its insightful examination of the American dream. “What essentially started with my sort of dismissive, judgmental attitude toward this guy started to shape into something bigger, which was not just about this guy but also about a certain mindset and this idea of the American dream as we know it—and what is it, really?” he reflected.
Sacrificing Humanity For Success
Stan suggested that Trump’s single-minded pursuit of status and wealth came at the expense of his humanity. “The film posed the question, ‘What are the consequences?'” This man served as a poignant illustration of the consequences that can arise when one becomes overly fixated on a single goal, disregarding everything else, including one’s own humanity.
As an immigrant himself, Stan said he has long been “in love with this idea” of the American dream. “I hail from a place that silenced people and taught them to live in fear.” This further motivated me to take action.
A Call To Action
The “right to be curious and know what there is to know.” Stan concluded by encouraging viewers to find the truth for themselves. He encouraged people to watch “The Apprentice” before casting their ballot, noting that “if you’re living in this country, you should, because it’s your right.”
Stan’s unvarnished remarks about Trump come just days before the 2024 presidential election, and they underscore the high stakes and deep divisions that continue to define American politics. As a news reporter, I believe it’s crucial to amplify diverse perspectives like Stan’s, even when they challenge the status quo.
Whether you agree with Stan’s assessment or not, his willingness to speak out against a powerful political figure, despite potential consequences, is a testament to the power of artistic expression and the importance of confronting unpleasant truths. Before voting, voters should follow Stan’s advice to be informed and critically evaluate the leaders they choose to lead the nation.
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