In a recent social media post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump rebutted claims made by filmmaker Chris Columbus that he insisted on making a cameo appearance in the popular Christmas comedy film “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” Trump wrote that Columbus and the film’s production team were “begging” him to appear in the movie, as the film was being shot at the Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned at the time. Despite initially being hesitant, Trump agreed to the cameo, which he believes contributed to the movie’s success.
Trump’s denial comes after Columbus alleged in a 2020 interview with Business Insider that Trump strong-armed his way into the movie, insisting that the only way the production team could use the Plaza Hotel as a filming location was if he was given a cameo appearance. Columbus claimed that Trump’s appearance received cheers during the movie’s first screening, leading him to keep the cameo in the final cut, but he also suggested that Trump “bullied his way into the movie.”
In response to Columbus’s comments, Trump insisted that he did not bully his way into the movie, but rather, his appearance in “Home Alone 2” contributed to the film’s lasting success, especially during the Christmas season. The former president pointed out that his cameo “took off like a rocket,” and he continues to receive calls whenever the movie is aired.
Before his election as president, Trump had made numerous cameo appearances in TV shows, films, and live wrestling events, as well as hosting reality TV shows such as “The Apprentice” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.” He also appeared in TV commercials for several brands, including Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Macy’s, Oreo, and Visa.
President Trump’s assertion that he was invited to appear in “Home Alone 2” contrasts with Columbus’s account of the situation, adding another layer to the ongoing debate. Despite the conflicting narratives, Trump stands by his claim that his cameo was beneficial to the movie and has contributed to its continued success over the years.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Trump’s cameo in “Home Alone 2” raises questions about the role of celebrities in film and the behind-the-scenes negotiations that occur in the movie industry.
