President Trump

Gr 9 Up—This "investigative biography" quickly (about eight minutes in) takes viewers to Donald Trump's early years in Queens, NY, through military school, college athletics, and his yearbook citation as a "Ladies Man." It continues with his ascent as a businessman to be reckoned with—someone who thrived in the spotlight, was quick to sue (and be sued), and didn't back down from controversy. The second half moves into Trump's affair with Marla Maples, less successful business ventures, and celebrity stardom (pizza commercials, reality TV) and concludes with his announcement as a presidential candidate and his post-victory meeting with President Obama. Overall, the film gives the impression that Trump is a great promoter but not a strong CEO (as banker and Trump investor Ben Berzin says). This program largely repackages information from The Choice 2016 (a two-hour-long documentary about Trump and Hillary Clinton), using interviews with biographers, reporters, business associates, and others. Taken as a whole, the film presents Trump as a man without the background or temperament to serve as president. The photos and commentary regarding his childhood, school years, and early business deals highlight his "win at all costs" upbringing and appear less judgmental about the man he turned out to be.