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Mother Jones Illustration/Shuttershock Get your news from a source that’s not owned and controlled by oligarchs. Sign up for the free _Mother Jones Daily_. _This post was originally
published as part of “The Trump Files“—a collection of telling episodes, strange but true stories, and curious scenes from the life of our current president—on August 19, 2016._ Donald Trump
wasn’t the only celebrity with a show called _The Apprentice_. In fall 2005, media mogul Martha Stewart had a short-lived spin-off of the TV series. When Stewart’s show failed to be renewed
for a second season because of low ratings, she blamed Trump for keeping his show on the air and taking away viewers from her version. Trump didn’t take too kindly to the comment, and in
typical fashion, the billionaire fought back. In an open letter, he called her performance “terrible,” said the show “lacked mood, temperament, and just about everything else a show needs
for success,” and decried her “totally unconvincing demeanor.” Stewart, in shock, responded to her “longtime friend,” calling his comments “mean-spirited and reckless.” But Trump didn’t stop
there. In an interview with _Newsweek_, he said, “What moron would think you’re going to fire the guy with the No. 1 show on television?” according to the _New York Daily News_. Trump tried
to calm things on _Larry King Live_ the following month, saying, “I love her. She’s a wonderful woman. I wish her well.” But it doesn’t seem like Stewart was placated. Last fall, in an
appearance on the late-night show _Watch What Happens Live_, Stewart resurrected her 10-year-old accusation against the current Republican presidential nominee. “I was supposed to fire him
on air,” she said. Stewart later added, “And then Donald liked it too much. And look at, you know, it’s fantastic for him. It’s built him a platform. So now he thinks he can be president.”