Former US president Donald Trump is all set to make a historic return to the White House. The 78-year-old described the result against Kamala Harris as a “magnificent victory for the American people”. As Republicans celebrate the milestone, Donald Trump’s legacy and actions continue to captivate the public. Many have sought to understand the complexities of Donald Trump’s life through the lens of documentaries. They offer a range of perspectives on his rise to power, controversies and presidency.
Let’s explore 5 such documentaries:
1) Trump: What’s the Deal? (1991): Originally produced in 1991, Trump: What’s the Deal? takes a deep dive into Donald Trump’s real estate ventures and business empire during the early ’90s. It provides insights into his rise in the real estate world and his development of major projects in New York City. The documentary paints a portrait of Trump as a businessman, detailing his successes and challenges. It is available on streaming platforms like YouTube and for purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
2) The Apprentice (2024): The Apprentice, a biographical film directed by Ali Abbasi, takes you on a journey to witness the transformation of Donald Trump from a budding businessman to a real estate tycoon. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1970s and 1980s New York, the film stars Sebastian Stan as a young Trump, Jeremy Strong as his controversial mentor Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. This biographical drama focuses on the years of Trump’s rise, showcasing his ambition and the influence that shaped the man who would eventually dominate the business world and later enter politics.
3) The Accidental President (2020): Directed by James Fletcher, The Accidental President explores the factors behind Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 US presidential election. Through a mix of archival footage, interviews, and public opinion snapshots, the documentary examines how Trump effectively connected with the American public, while also highlighting Hillary Clinton’s campaign missteps. The film offers a look into how these dynamics led to Donald Trump’s unexpected win.
4) Biography: The Trump Dynasty (2019): This three-episode mini-series delves into the life of Donald Trump, spanning three generations of the Trump family. Using exclusive archival footage and firsthand accounts, the documentary traces the family’s journey from the Klondike Gold Rush to the rise of Donald Trump’s real estate empire in New York. It covers his early years in Queens, his real estate ventures, and his transformation into a celebrity businessman, culminating in his presidential campaign in 2016. It’s available on Prime Video.
5) Trump: An American Dream (2017): This is a four-part documentary series that chronicles the life of Donald Trump, from his early days as a real estate mogul to his rise to the presidency. The series offers an in-depth look at his career through archival footage and interviews with key figures who have shaped and been shaped by his influence. Set against the backdrop of America’s shifting political, media, and economic landscapes, the series paints a vivid picture of Donald Trump’s ascent and the broader societal changes he both influenced and reflected. The series is available for streaming on Netflix.
