Jackson Reed
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, Donald Trump asked attendees to pray for Arnold Schwarzenegger, his successor on the TV show 'The Apprentice', so that the show's ratings would improve. Trump's comments were in reference to Schwarzenegger's poor performance as host, which had been a source of public back-and-forth between the two celebrities. While some characterised Trump's comments as a joke, they were also interpreted as a sharp contrast to how past presidents have addressed the traditionally non-partisan event.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 2nd February 2017 |
| Occasion | 64th National Prayer Breakfast |
| Host | The Fellowship Foundation |
| Venue | Washington Hilton, Washington, D.C. |
| Theme | "Looking Beyond: United in a Common Cause" |
| Keynote Speaker | Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate |
| Attendees | Lawmakers, foreign dignitaries, and religious leaders |
| Attendees | Faith leaders |
| Trump's Remarks | Asked attendees to pray for Arnold Schwarzenegger's ratings on "The Apprentice" |
| Trump's Other Remarks | Supporting religious liberty, protecting national security, and defending his travel ban |
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What You'll Learn
- Trump's comments at the National Prayer Breakfast were intended as a joke
- Trump's introduction by Mark Burnett, creator of 'The Apprentice'
- Trump's pledge to destroy the Johnson Amendment
- Trump's praise for the National Prayer Breakfast
- Trump's criticism of Schwarzenegger's performance on 'The Apprentice'
Trump's comments at the National Prayer Breakfast were intended as a joke
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, Donald Trump made a comment that many interpreted as a joke about the poor ratings of "The Apprentice" following his departure from the show. Trump, who was introduced by the show's creator, Mark Burnett, veered off-script to ask the audience to "pray for Arnold [Schwarzenegger] for those ratings." This was a reference to Schwarzenegger taking over as host of "The Apprentice" after Trump left to run for president.
While Trump's comment may have been intended as a light-hearted joke, it contrasted sharply with how past presidents have addressed the National Prayer Breakfast. The comment also reflected Trump's ongoing public feud with Schwarzenegger, who responded with a tweet suggesting they switch jobs.
Trump's focus on "The Apprentice" ratings also seemed out of place given the event's purpose of fostering goodwill and unity among faith leaders, lawmakers, and dignitaries. Trump did address faith in his speech, lauding the gathering as a "testament to the power of faith" and touching on topics like religious liberty and national security. However, his comments about the show's ratings and his criticism of Schwarzenegger stood out in a setting typically characterized by sobriety and apolitical discourse.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer later defended Trump's remarks, stating that they were meant as a "lighthearted moment" with a friend and supporter of the National Prayer Breakfast. Spicer highlighted the totality of Trump's remarks, which included appreciation for the chaplain's moving words and a recognition of the event's significance.
Overall, while Trump's comment about praying for "The Apprentice" ratings may have been intended as a joke, it highlighted the president's unique approach to addressing a traditionally solemn and non-partisan event, showcasing his willingness to inject humor, self-promotion, and playful jabs into unexpected moments during his presidency.
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Trump's introduction by Mark Burnett, creator of 'The Apprentice'
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump was introduced by Mark Burnett, the creator of "The Apprentice." Trump's appearance at the event marked the continuation of a six-decade-long tradition of presidents attending the annual gathering, which is meant to be a testament to the power of faith.
Burnett, who introduced Trump, is the television producer who teamed up with Trump to create "The Apprentice." In his introduction, Burnett spoke about how he needed a real winner to host the show and settled on Trump. The show was a tremendous success, and when Trump left to run for president in 2015, Burnett replaced him with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of California.
Trump's appearance at the National Prayer Breakfast was marked by a sharp contrast in tone compared to how past presidents have addressed the event. While the gathering is usually known for its sobriety and apolitical nature, Trump veered off-script and asked the audience to pray for Schwarzenegger so that the ratings of "The Apprentice" would improve.
Trump's comments about the show's ratings were likely intended as a joke, as he took jabs at Schwarzenegger's performance as the new host. Trump said, "We know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes; it's been a total disaster, and Mark will never, ever bet against Trump again."
Despite the lighthearted nature of his comments, Trump's remarks about "The Apprentice" ratings stood out in an event that is traditionally focused on faith and apolitical themes.
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Trump's pledge to destroy the Johnson Amendment
On February 2, 2017, at the National Prayer Breakfast, newly-elected President Trump vowed to totally destroy the Johnson Amendment. The Johnson Amendment, named for then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas, was introduced in 1954 as an amendment to the tax code. It prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including religious groups, from endorsing or opposing political candidates.
Despite Trump's repeated claims that he "got rid" of the Johnson Amendment, it remains in place. His efforts to repeal it have been criticized because churches have fewer reporting requirements than other nonprofit organizations, and a repeal would make political contributions tax-deductible.
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Trump's praise for the National Prayer Breakfast
At the 68th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, President Trump praised the event, calling it a great honour and a great custom that is a testament to the power of faith. He also acknowledged the religious leaders in attendance, calling them "very, very important people".
Trump also expressed gratitude for the support he received from the American people, crediting their faith and prayers for sustaining and inspiring him through challenging times. He further emphasised the unifying nature of the event, highlighting that everyone present was united by a shared conviction in the power of prayer and faith.
Trump's speech also touched on themes of spiritual success, freedom, and the role of faith in America's history and progress. He referenced historical moments such as the patriots in the 13 colonies coming together in prayer and the reading of the Bible during the moon landing. He also acknowledged the military families and their unwavering belief in God.
Trump's remarks included a controversial joke about praying for Arnold Schwarzenegger's ratings on "The Apprentice", which some interpreted as a dig at Schwarzenegger, who had replaced him on the show. Despite this, Trump praised the show, saying they had tremendous success.
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Trump's criticism of Schwarzenegger's performance on 'The Apprentice'
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, former US President Donald Trump asked the audience to pray for Arnold Schwarzenegger, his successor on the TV show "The Apprentice", so that the show's ratings would improve. Trump said:
> "I want to just pray for Arnold ... for those ratings."
Trump's comments were interpreted as a joke by some, but they contrasted sharply with how past US presidents have addressed the breakfast. Schwarzenegger responded to Trump's comments on Twitter, suggesting that they switch jobs:
> "Hey Donald. I have a great idea. Why don't we switch jobs? You take over TV, cause you're such an expert in ratings. And I take over your job, so that people can finally sleep comfortably again."
Trump and Schwarzenegger had been engaged in a public back-and-forth since Schwarzenegger replaced him on "The Apprentice". Trump retained a financial stake in the show as an executive producer. Trump's comments at the National Prayer Breakfast were part of a wider pattern of ignoring the usual rules and norms associated with the office of the president.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Trump asked the audience to pray for Arnold Schwarzenegger, his replacement on 'The Apprentice', so that the show's ratings would improve.
Trump was introduced by Mark Burnett, the creator of 'The Apprentice', who recounted how Trump had been chosen as the show's host. Trump then boasted about the show's success and took a dig at Schwarzenegger's performance, saying, "We know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes."
There was muted laughter following Trump's comment, which was intended as a joke. However, some people, including Schwarzenegger himself, found it inappropriate, especially in the context of a prayer breakfast.
Yes, Trump also touched on supporting religious liberty, protecting national security, and defending his controversial travel ban. He also thanked his supporters for their prayers during his campaign and recounted his trip to Dover Air Force Base to welcome home the remains of a fallen U.S. service member.
