In a recent episode of the “Smartless” podcast, acclaimed director Taika Waititi shared a fascinating anecdote about his experience working with former President Donald Trump on a 2012 Super Bowl ad for NBC.
Waititi recalled that Trump, who was then the host of the reality TV show “The Apprentice,” had a list of specific demands that he expected the director to adhere to, even though his on-screen appearance was brief.
“There was a piece of paper with a list of demands,” Waititi said. “The height of the camera had to be a certain height to make him look a little thinner.”
“Wow,” responded podcast co-host Sean Hayes.
Waititi also revealed that Trump had a dedicated makeup person who was constantly praising his appearance. “There was also a sort of like a make-up person who was also his ego booster,” Waititi said. “He would touch him up and say, ‘Oh Mr. Trump, oh Mr. Trump, you look fantastic.'”
Trump’s demands and the presence of his ego booster provide a glimpse into his personality and the importance he placed on his image, even during a relatively minor cameo appearance.
It’s worth noting that Waititi’s recollection comes from a decade ago, before Trump’s presidency and the events that have since transpired. However, it still offers an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at the former president’s behavior and the lengths he would go to control his public image.