This past Friday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addressed a conservative Hollywood group known as Friends of Abe (FOA). Speaking at the Luxe Sunset Blvd. Hotel in Los Angeles, Trump discussed everything from NBC, his distaste for political pundits, and being dumped from ESPN, Macy’s and Miss America.
Trump blasted “stupid reporters” who continually ask if he’s “got the personality to run for president” (do they ask that of Hillary Clinton?), at the same time criticizing them for covering him too much. He said, “Anderson Cooper called wanting another interview because his ratings went up…Every show is 100 percent me…”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Trump didn’t have many nice things to say about political pundits Charles Krauthammer and George Will and other negative pundits: “Most of them are dopes.”
One political pundit he did have kind words for, was Ann Coulter, “I love her. She’s so pretty. She lost Chris Christie when he gave Obama a French kiss.” Coulter was among those in attendance and shared her support for Trump: “I love Donald Trump. He’s bringing up an issue the rest of them are too chicken or too stupid to discuss.”
Trump even discussed his “dumping” from Macy’s, ESPN, and NBC.
On ESPN: “It was for one round of golf at my course. I didn't even know I had a deal with ESPN. I kept the deposit and rented it to someone else."
On Macy’s: Trump said they acted in a cowardly manner and that Macy’s cardholders will stand in solidarity with him by cutting up their Macy’s cards.
On NBC: He told THR "Hollywood isn't abandoning me. They've been really good. NBC abandoned me because I'm running for president and NBC was very angry with me. This has nothing to do with inclusion. This has to do with me not doing Apprentice. NBC was not loyal, but I'm running for president, and I can't hold that against them. I think the liberals in Hollywood support me behind my back."
Contrary to some reports, Trump’s speaking engagement was not a fundraiser. FOA, who organized the event, attracts many popular speakers – from Rush Limbaugh to GOP presidential candidates Ted Cruz, Dr. Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina. FOA is what is oftentimes called the “conservative underground” for Hollywood conservatives – (yes, there are some out there) where they can come together without being ostracized from liberal Hollywood. FOA head Jeremy Boreing even joked, “After sitting in a room with Ann Coulter and Donald Trump, you’ll be able to write a book: adios to my career in show biz.”
The only reason Trump’s engagement caused any amount of controversy was because of a leaked invitation.
Boreing told THR, “We aren’t looking for any drama or to make a public statement. We’re just hosting a private event for our own edification. It’s unfortunate that someone leaked the invitation.”
