Avery Collins
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, former President Donald Trump made headlines with his unexpected remarks about actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had recently taken over as the host of *The Celebrity Apprentice*, a show Trump previously hosted. Trump quipped, I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay? referring to the show's declining viewership under Schwarzenegger's leadership. The comment, delivered in a lighthearted tone, was met with a mix of laughter and surprise, as it deviated from the event's typically solemn and bipartisan atmosphere. Trump's focus on ratings and his inability to resist a dig at Schwarzenegger underscored his penchant for blending personal grievances with public appearances, even at events traditionally focused on unity and faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Event | National Prayer Breakfast (2017) |
| Target | Arnold Schwarzenegger |
| Context | Trump's remarks about Schwarzenegger's performance as host of "The Apprentice" |
| Key Quote | "I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay?" |
| Tone | Mocking, sarcastic |
| Intent | To belittle Schwarzenegger's success on the show compared to his own |
| Reaction | Mixed; some viewed it as inappropriate for the solemn setting of the Prayer Breakfast |
| Aftermath | Schwarzenegger responded on social media, suggesting they switch jobs to improve the situation |
| Media Coverage | Widely reported as an example of Trump's tendency to insert personal grievances into public events |
| Significance | Highlighted Trump's focus on ratings and popularity, even in a religious and bipartisan setting |
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What You'll Learn
Trump mocked Schwarzenegger's 'Apprentice' ratings
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, an event traditionally focused on unity and faith, then-President Donald Trump deviated from the expected tone to publicly mock Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had recently taken over as host of *The Apprentice*, a reality TV show Trump had previously helmed. Trump’s comments were direct and pointed, specifically targeting Schwarzenegger’s performance as the show’s new host. He began by acknowledging Schwarzenegger’s presence at the event, but quickly shifted to criticize the show’s ratings under his leadership. Trump stated, “They hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out.” This opening remark set the stage for his critique, framing Schwarzenegger’s tenure as a failure.
Trump did not hold back in his assessment of the show’s ratings, which had significantly declined since Schwarzenegger took over. He emphasized, “The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster. I want to pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings.” This comment was delivered with a mix of sarcasm and disdain, using the prayer breakfast’s setting to mock Schwarzenegger under the guise of concern. Trump’s decision to bring up *The Apprentice* at such an event was seen by many as inappropriate, but it underscored his fixation on ratings as a measure of success—a theme he often returned to throughout his career.
The former president’s critique was not just about the numbers; it was personal. Trump seemed to take Schwarzenegger’s failure as a reflection on his own legacy with the show. He remarked, “I was even called by the head of NBC. They said, ‘Donald, I’m sorry.’ I said, ‘Why?’ They said, ‘The ratings are right down the tubes.’” By sharing this anecdote, Trump positioned himself as the aggrieved party, suggesting that NBC had acknowledged his superiority as host. This narrative allowed him to diminish Schwarzenegger’s efforts while elevating his own reputation.
Trump’s comments also highlighted his tendency to use public platforms to settle personal scores. The National Prayer Breakfast, typically a bipartisan and spiritual gathering, became a stage for his grievances. He concluded his remarks on the topic by saying, “So, say a little prayer for him, please.” While framed as a joke, the underlying message was clear: Trump believed Schwarzenegger had failed, and he wanted everyone to know it. This moment exemplified Trump’s unique approach to public discourse, blending humor, criticism, and self-promotion in a way that dominated headlines and conversations.
In the aftermath of Trump’s remarks, Schwarzenegger responded publicly, suggesting they switch jobs to improve the situation. “You take over TV, because you’re such an expert in ratings,” Schwarzenegger said in a video message, “and I take over your job, and then people can finally sleep comfortably again.” This exchange further fueled the media’s interest in their feud, but it also highlighted Trump’s relentless focus on ratings as a metric of success. His comments at the prayer breakfast remain a memorable example of how he used every opportunity, regardless of the setting, to assert his dominance and criticize those he perceived as rivals.
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He compared his own ratings to Schwarzenegger's
At the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, former President Donald Trump made headlines by deviating from the event's traditionally bipartisan and spiritual tone to address a personal grievance. Specifically, he took the opportunity to criticize actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had recently taken over as the host of *The Celebrity Apprentice*, a show Trump had previously hosted. Trump’s remarks were uncharacteristically focused on television ratings, a topic he often uses to measure success. He compared his own ratings on the show to Schwarzenegger’s, stating, “They hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster. I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay?” This comparison was not only a dig at Schwarzenegger’s performance but also a way for Trump to assert his own perceived superiority in the realm of entertainment and popularity.
Trump’s decision to bring up ratings at a prayer breakfast, an event typically dedicated to unity and faith, was widely seen as inappropriate and self-serving. His comments underscored his obsession with ratings as a metric of success, a theme he has repeatedly emphasized throughout his career in both entertainment and politics. By contrasting his tenure on *The Celebrity Apprentice* with Schwarzenegger’s, Trump aimed to diminish the actor’s achievements while elevating his own. He implied that the show’s decline in viewership was solely due to Schwarzenegger’s involvement, ignoring other potential factors such as audience fatigue or changes in the show’s format. This comparison was not just about television—it was a thinly veiled attempt to reinforce Trump’s narrative of being irreplaceable and unmatched in his endeavors.
The comparison also revealed Trump’s tendency to use public platforms for personal vendettas. Instead of focusing on the event’s purpose of fostering unity and spiritual reflection, he used the prayer breakfast as a stage to settle scores. His remarks about Schwarzenegger’s ratings were laced with sarcasm and mockery, particularly when he asked attendees to “pray for Arnold.” This tone was at odds with the event’s solemn atmosphere, highlighting Trump’s willingness to prioritize personal attacks over decorum. The episode became a defining moment in his presidency, illustrating his inability to separate personal grievances from official duties.
Furthermore, Trump’s fixation on ratings as a measure of success reflects a broader pattern in his behavior. Whether in business, television, or politics, he has consistently equated high ratings or popularity with personal validation. By comparing his ratings to Schwarzenegger’s, he sought to portray himself as a ratings juggernaut whose absence left a void that others could not fill. This narrative, however, overlooks the complexities of television dynamics and the natural ebb and flow of audience interest. Trump’s comments at the prayer breakfast were not just about a TV show—they were a manifestation of his need to dominate every narrative and emerge as the undisputed winner.
In conclusion, Trump’s comparison of his ratings to Schwarzenegger’s at the National Prayer Breakfast was a revealing moment that showcased his priorities and communication style. It demonstrated his tendency to use any platform, regardless of its purpose, to promote himself and belittle others. The remarks were instructive in understanding how Trump leverages metrics like ratings to assert dominance and diminish competitors. While the prayer breakfast is traditionally a space for unity and reflection, Trump transformed it into a forum for personal attacks, leaving a lasting impression of his unique approach to public discourse.
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Trump called for prayer for Schwarzenegger's show
At the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, then-President Donald Trump made headlines with his unexpected remarks about Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had recently taken over as the host of *The Celebrity Apprentice*, a show Trump had previously hosted. In a departure from the event’s traditional tone of unity and reflection, Trump publicly criticized Schwarzenegger’s performance on the show. Trump stated, “They hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster. I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay?” This comment marked a rare instance of a sitting president using a solemn, bipartisan event to address a personal grievance.
Trump’s call for prayer for Schwarzenegger’s show was both sarcastic and pointed, blending humor with a clear jab at his successor’s performance. By framing his criticism as a prayer request, Trump leveraged the event’s spiritual context to underscore his dissatisfaction with the show’s ratings decline. This approach was characteristic of Trump’s communication style, which often blended humor, criticism, and public shaming. The remark also highlighted Trump’s ongoing attachment to the show and his inability to let go of his association with it, even as president.
The audience’s reaction to Trump’s comment was mixed, with some attendees chuckling at the unexpected quip while others appeared uncomfortable with the politicization of the event. The National Prayer Breakfast is traditionally a nonpartisan gathering focused on faith and unity, making Trump’s remarks about Schwarzenegger’s show particularly striking. Critics later pointed out that the comment was unbecoming of the presidency, especially given the event’s purpose. However, Trump’s supporters saw it as an example of his authenticity and willingness to speak his mind, regardless of the setting.
Schwarzenegger responded to Trump’s comments shortly after, suggesting they switch jobs to address their respective concerns. “You take over TV, because you’re such an expert in ratings, and I take over your job, and then people can finally sleep comfortably again,” Schwarzenegger said in a video message. This exchange further fueled the public feud between the two, which had begun when Schwarzenegger criticized Trump’s policies and leadership style. Trump’s prayer breakfast remark thus became part of a larger narrative of their ongoing rivalry.
In retrospect, Trump’s call for prayer for Schwarzenegger’s show at the National Prayer Breakfast remains a memorable moment of his presidency, illustrating his unique approach to public discourse. It showcased his tendency to blend personal grievances with official duties and his willingness to use any platform, even a spiritual one, to air his criticisms. While the remark was lighthearted on the surface, it underscored deeper tensions between Trump and Schwarzenegger, both personally and politically. The incident also sparked broader conversations about the appropriateness of such comments at events meant to foster unity and reflection.
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He criticized Schwarzenegger's performance as host
At the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, former President Donald Trump deviated from the event's traditional tone of unity and reflection to publicly criticize Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance as the host of *The Celebrity Apprentice*. Trump, who had previously hosted the show himself, took the opportunity to express his dissatisfaction with Schwarzenegger's ratings. He stated, "They hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It's been a total disaster." Trump's remarks were direct and unfiltered, leaving no doubt about his opinion of Schwarzenegger's tenure on the show.
Trump's criticism was not just about the ratings decline but also seemed to carry a personal tone. He implied that Schwarzenegger's failure was a result of not following his lead, saying, "I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay?" This comment was delivered with a mix of sarcasm and disdain, underscoring Trump's belief that Schwarzenegger had mishandled the role. By bringing this up at a prayer breakfast, an event typically focused on bipartisanship and spiritual reflection, Trump highlighted his tendency to prioritize personal grievances over traditional norms.
The former president's comments also reflected his obsession with television ratings as a measure of success. Trump repeatedly emphasized the drop in viewership, stating, "It used to be a great show, and now it's not so great anymore." This focus on ratings as the ultimate metric of achievement was a recurring theme in Trump's public discourse, and his critique of Schwarzenegger was no exception. By framing Schwarzenegger's performance as a "disaster," Trump sought to reinforce his own self-perceived superiority in the role.
Trump's remarks drew attention not only for their content but also for their timing and context. The National Prayer Breakfast is traditionally a non-partisan event aimed at fostering unity and spiritual reflection among political leaders. By using the platform to attack Schwarzenegger, Trump broke with the event's customary decorum. This move was characteristic of his approach to public speaking, where he often blended personal attacks with official duties, blurring the lines between private grievances and public responsibilities.
In conclusion, Trump's criticism of Schwarzenegger's performance as host of *The Celebrity Apprentice* at the National Prayer Breakfast was detailed, direct, and instructive in its focus on ratings and personal comparison. His comments revealed his preoccupation with success as measured by viewership numbers and his willingness to use any platform, even a solemn event like the prayer breakfast, to air his grievances. Trump's remarks underscored his unique style of public communication, where personal attacks and self-aggrandizement often took precedence over traditional norms of diplomacy and decorum.
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Trump claimed he was a better 'Apprentice' host
At the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, former President Donald Trump made headlines with his unexpected remarks about Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had recently taken over as the host of *The Celebrity Apprentice*, a show Trump had previously hosted. Trump used the platform to publicly criticize Schwarzenegger’s performance, claiming he was a better host and that the show’s ratings had suffered under Schwarzenegger’s leadership. Trump’s comments were direct and unfiltered, reflecting his trademark style of addressing perceived slights or failures. He stated, “When I ran for president, I had to leave the show. That’s when I knew for sure that I was doing it... and they hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out.” This marked the beginning of Trump’s assertion that he was the superior host.
Trump’s critique focused heavily on the show’s ratings, a metric he often uses to measure success. He claimed that *The Celebrity Apprentice* had experienced a significant decline in viewership after Schwarzenegger took over, implying that his own tenure had been far more successful. Trump’s exact words were, “The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster. I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay?” This statement not only underscored his belief in his hosting abilities but also framed the issue as a matter of public concern, albeit with a touch of sarcasm. Trump’s approach was instructive in the sense that it highlighted his tendency to compare and contrast his achievements with those of others, particularly when he perceives himself as the benchmark.
Beyond the ratings, Trump’s comments also reflected his broader narrative of being irreplaceable in roles he once held. By claiming he was a better host, Trump reinforced his self-image as a uniquely talented and successful figure in both business and entertainment. His remarks at the prayer breakfast were not just about *The Celebrity Apprentice* but also about asserting his dominance and relevance in popular culture. Trump’s ability to pivot from a spiritual gathering to a discussion about television ratings demonstrated his willingness to use any platform to promote his personal brand and achievements.
Trump’s critique of Schwarzenegger also carried a tone of personal rivalry, which added another layer to his claim of being a better host. By publicly “praying for Arnold” and the show’s ratings, Trump framed the situation as a battle of egos, with himself as the clear victor. This approach was characteristic of Trump’s communication style, where he often turns disagreements into zero-sum contests. His comments were not merely about the show’s performance but also about reinforcing his own legacy and diminishing Schwarzenegger’s efforts.
In conclusion, Trump’s assertion that he was a better *Apprentice* host at the prayer breakfast was a multi-faceted statement. It was a critique of Schwarzenegger’s performance, a defense of his own legacy, and a strategic use of a high-profile event to make a public statement. By focusing on ratings and his perceived irreplaceability, Trump effectively communicated his belief in his superiority as a host while also leveraging the moment to remind the public of his past successes. This incident remains a notable example of Trump’s ability to blend personal branding with public commentary, even in settings traditionally reserved for more solemn discussions.
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Frequently asked questions
At the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, Trump joked about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ratings on *The Apprentice*, saying, “They hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place. And we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster. And I want to just pray for Arnold, if we can, for those ratings, okay?”
Trump mentioned Schwarzenegger to make a lighthearted joke about the decline in ratings for *The Apprentice* after Schwarzenegger replaced him as the host. He used it as an example of something to pray for, albeit in a humorous tone.
Yes, Trump’s comments were criticized by some for being inappropriate for the solemn and bipartisan nature of the National Prayer Breakfast, as they focused on a personal and trivial matter rather than unity or faith.
Schwarzenegger responded on Twitter, suggesting they switch jobs, saying, “You take over TV, because you’re such an expert in ratings, and I take over your job, so people can finally sleep comfortably again.”
Yes, Trump’s comments were part of an ongoing public feud between the two. Trump had previously criticized Schwarzenegger’s performance on *The Apprentice*, and Schwarzenegger had been critical of Trump’s presidency, including his policies and behavior.
