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Martha and Me

Posted by Donald J. Trump on 2/27/2006 at 2:15 PM

Chairman, Trump University

There has been a lot of controversy recently over Martha Stewart and the fact that she blamed me for her version of The Apprentice doing so badly in the ratings.

The fact is her show didn't work. For some reason Martha just wasn't very good at it. She tried. She put in the effort, but it didn't have what it takes to make a successful show.

In life, you have failures and there's really nothing wrong with that. But when you have a failure, try not to blame other people. Martha's version of The Apprentice was a failure. Mine got great ratings. Hers didn't. To be honest, I wasn't very surprised.

I wasn't a big fan of her show to begin with because I didn't like the underlying idea--two versions of the same show. I thought it caused confusion. Still, NBC really wanted to try it. The Apprentice was doing so well so they figured, "Hey, let's do another one."

The fact is Martha went out and instead of taking responsibility for the failure of her show, she blamed it on me. I did nothing but promote Martha. I said she was a brave woman. She was working hard. I didn't see the show until it aired. When I looked at the show, however, I realized it wasn't going to make it. It didn't have it.

But I'm upset with Martha, and I wrote her a letter that has been very controversial. I'm very satisfied with it, though. What I'm really most upset with Martha about, though, is her ingratitude. I was her single biggest promoter. I promoted her on every show, and I said what a wonderful woman she is, and I still believe that. Never once did she thank me. Never once did she call and say, Donald, thank you very much. One thing about life: when you help somebody, it's always nice to get a thank you.

In the meantime, The Apprentice is airing on Monday nights at 9 pm on NBC--starting tonight (February 27). I guarantee it will be a smash.

Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

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33 Comments

Posted by Ken Calhoun on 02/27/2006 5:35 PM

Bottom line is, ingratitude and fickleness from a friend who you tried to help, has to be disappointing. Mr. Trump, your Apprentice show is a terrific achievement, and an inspiration to us entrepreneurs worldwide - and it works. I hope you two can patch things up and make amends, you're both successful in your own rights. When it comes to showing how it's done, we look to your show, Mr. Trump - so let's keep the Apprentice rocking and rolling - agree it'll be a smash - because your signature's on it. Great job.

Posted by Matthew Dxion on 02/28/2006 1:51 AM

I saw martha's show and to be honest and blunt, I watched it only during commercials of shows I actually wanted to watch to keep my mind from commercial rot. Unfortunately I wasn't at home to watch the first episode of the apprentice but I will be darned if I don't see it on reruns.

Congrats on a succesful show. It's a shame people try to tear down great things.

Posted by eng on 02/28/2006 8:31 AM

Donald, don't forget that she is a jailbird. Why would you want to associate yourself with her?

Posted by gayle willard on 02/28/2006 8:41 AM

Sorry Donald, I think your public tantrum concerning Martha was a hit below the belt. The Inclone comment was uncalled for. I watched both shows and clearly your show was far superior. Martha doesn't have the spark and personality of a reality show host. However, I think you took some cheap shots at her in the press. Wouldn't it have been easier to just FIRE her rather than be a poor winner?

Posted by Christy on 02/28/2006 11:30 AM

I watched both Apprentice shows faithfully. I enjoyed the tasks on both shows, however, I found Martha's tasks more entertaining. I am a woman after all and I loved the cake designing,etc. Don't get me wrong, I love "The Donald's" as well. You were right when you said it was her fault the show failed. She just didn't have the zing you had. Maybe if she had come up with a better "firing line", or came up with one period, the show would have done better. Maybe Martha should call me and I'll give her some tips. One tip I would give her is to grow up a bit. Name calling went out in the 60s. Another would be to leave her daughter at home. I liked her as a person, but she was too dry for TV.
I give you props for trying to help Martha. You just have to learn that some are not worthy of help. I expected Martha to be the type of person who would be thankful for any help she got. She's not the person I thought she was. And to think that I felt bad for her when she went to jail.

Posted by Ann Harrison on 02/28/2006 11:40 AM

Yes Mr. Trump. Yes your show performed better in the ratings. And yes you are a fantastic business man. However, I think you are starting to 'lose it' regarding Martha Stewart. What is going on with you? You obviously felt this way about her while you were pretending to be her 'friend'. The hurtful comments in your letter prove that.
It would be best to stop talking about the situation and walk away from a relationship that wasn't a true friendship in the first place. Just a convenient association.

Posted by KandidKate on 02/28/2006 12:42 PM

This is a case of showing class. My understanding of the definition of being classy is that a person with class will be able to makes people feel comfortable in the most awkward of situations. If there is a person who responds with an "attitude" or points a finger, then I have to keep in perspective that they lack "understanding." Unfortunately, some people have a pattern of not taking responsibility. Once such a pattern has been established, I prefer to distance myself from them. I cannot trust or rely on them for future dealings. Sadly, it's their ultimate loss.

Posted by Michele M Delisle on 02/28/2006 2:14 PM

Mr Trump,
I wanted to inform you that Oregon NBC did not air the season premiere of your show last night. Here is a copy of the email I sent to KGW.com in Portland, Oregon:
"Hello,
I am writing to tell you how completely incensed I am that you did not air the season premiere of my favorite show The Apprentice (THE #1 SHOW ON TV!) last night. Instead, you aired - a Trailblazers game????? (ONE OF THE WORST TEAMS IN THE NBA?) Granted, I was not born in Oregon, but that is not the issue. I live 1/2 mile from the stadium!!!!! If I wanted to watch the game, I would have bought a ticket.
Whichever management team, supervisor, or whomever made that decision, let me inform you: Your IQ appears to be somewhere between the idiot and moron level, to me. Now I am going to look for a way to email Donald Trump and inform him what you have done. Maybe he'll write you an insulting letter too.
Happy trails!
Michele M. Delisle
PS I am moving to Texas next month and sooooo happy I will not have to deal with your programming decisions any longer."
They plan to air it on Friday at 7PM instead:-(
Sincerely,
Michele M. Delisle

Posted by markuspd on 02/28/2006 3:45 PM

I think Donald and Martha make a perfect couple but why anyone would pay to learn life skills of them is beyond me.

Posted by Fabrizio on 02/28/2006 3:57 PM

I was wondering you had this bad idea to move The Apprentice 5 on Monday and air it against FOX's 24 Hours. I like both shows but I will watch 24 Hours and tape The Apprentice, not the other way around. I believe rates will be down for The Apptentice 5, Thursdaywas the right day and the right time.

Posted by Deborah on 02/28/2006 5:24 PM

Mr. Trump , Thank you many times over for taking the time to do your show. I think it is great the addition of your two older children. Since the beginning I've watched your show with my son who is twelve. I use your show as a teaching tool. Having been in business myself and now stay at home full time wife and mother I use your show as part of my boys education. I must admit, Martha's show had some good lessons in it also.While these shows entertain the masses they have much more meaning in them for us. Once again thank you from my family.

Posted by Eric on 02/28/2006 7:14 PM

Mr. Trump, when can we buy downloads of "The Apprentice" on iTunes? I'm ready to buy when you/NBC is ready to deal.

Posted by Lakh Gill on 02/28/2006 10:49 PM

I would have used her in a couple of the tasks for the Apprentice. But, who am i to say.

Posted by Gary W Smith on 03/01/2006 1:00 AM

I was surprised at the move to Monday across from Fox's 24. No problem though as we can see every one of your episodes on Wednesday at 5pm PST on CNBC right before Mad Money. Thanks for the show and for a personal view into your psyche. I have picked up on several details of management that I can take to heart and use.

Posted by Kiki on 03/01/2006 11:07 AM

It you didn't like the idea of her show, why were you the EP. Martha's show was up against ABC's mega award winning rating smash show, Lost and that's why Martha's ratings didn't meet expectations. NBC should have slotted her opposite Mon Nite Football to give her demo something to watch.

Posted by Richard on 03/01/2006 11:25 AM

You were the executive producer of Martha's version of The Apprentice. You should take a great deal of responsibility of her show's failure, but you often have avoided such responsibilities in all of your failures from your bankruptcy to the Trump shuttle. You're smoke and mirrors without the substance to realize your responsibilities.

Posted by brad on 03/01/2006 2:25 PM

Donald, you are a fool and have shown your true colors yet again to the american public. Martha Stewart's version of the Apprentice was not nearly the failure you point it out to be, and your version's ratings were far below past seasons, so maybe the public had just moved on to more novel shows. Name calling and public letter writing merely show how uncouth you are, and what a class act Martha Stewart is. Shame on you.

Posted by Kim on 03/01/2006 8:17 PM

Donald doesn't know how to write- look at his letters and notes (he sounds like a 12 yr old!!!!! lol) He is trashy and gross. He has no talent- yet he got lucky and made some money. He is not smart, and he is so into himself which is totally unattractive. The only thing I like about Martha is that she is a bitch and she knows it. She loves animals though, which makes her an ethical human being.

Donald is a follower. And anyone who calls him "Mister Trump" is a loser too. I see all those people on his ridiculous show, running around doing the dumbest tasks, as retards. They think they are so intelligent and witty, but anyone who goes on TV to prove themselves in some capacity is a follower, loser, wanna-be. Its embarassing!!!!

Posted by Dan on 03/01/2006 10:27 PM

Donald Trump is a hero to the American public and those living abroad. Despite his 9 lives of ups and downs, this man perseveres. He is a classic example of a man living the American Dream.

Posted by Jen Schroeder on 03/02/2006 12:47 AM

This is not quite on topic, but I like Deal or No Deal. And I've watched all seasons of the Apprentice and also bits of Marthas.I agree with Mr. Trump that people need to be thankful when someone does them a favor. It's the least she could have done!

Now how can I be on the next apprentice?
I've done NY and can do it again!

Posted by Jason McGowan on 03/02/2006 4:13 AM

Mr. Trump,

Thank you for your show and all your advice. Their are many people on this blog who seem to be envious of your success and take time out of their lives to smash you. You spent your time and reputation building up Martha after her reputation was slaughtered

Posted by Joe on 03/02/2006 4:16 AM

Martha stabbed ya in the back and you slapped her ugly puss ( verbally) for it...turn about is fair play.
( Martha looks like a hagged out " Frank N Furter" from Rocky Horror Picture Show anyway...)

Posted by Nigel on 03/02/2006 5:46 AM

Mr Trump, being based in the UK we also have our own version of The Apprentice, hosted

Posted by juile on 03/02/2006 9:22 AM

Donald Trump is and always will be the reason why the The Apprentice was successful, when you look back at the focus of the show it springs to mind, original, uniqueness, something that we instill in entrepreneurs to be. As Seth Godin puts it ... Ideavirus adores a vacumn. But once someone fills the vacumn everything else is just a copy or also ran ... When I read Martha Stewart was fronting a similar show I was surprised, what would Ms Stewart bring that wasn't already done, how better would she add value. Ms Stewart personality can sometines come across as pushy and abrupt, and not accepting some of the failure may be down to her own doing and partly NBC's attempt to re-do an already great idea.

Posted by christy on 03/02/2006 11:46 AM

This is to Kim who responded on 3-1-06. I think you are mistaken. The only 12 year old here is you. You talk about "Mr. Trump" being "trashy and gross", how immature is that? And you stated that "Mr. Trump" has no talent? How did he get to where he is today without talent? If I were Donald Trump, I would be totally into myself as well. He is a genious. "Mr. Trump" doesn't seem like a follower to me. It seems to me that alot of people follow his ideas. Like, Martha Stewart, who

Posted by anegla on 03/02/2006 4:12 PM

sellout

Posted by randy on 03/03/2006 10:30 AM

Its all hype, HOT AIR,.. funny you saw "the Donald" and Martha trading jabs the week leading to the new season start of the Apprentice. Now that the show opened # 4 of al network shows the bottom rung of a ladder for TV, where is he to hype it up. NAda NOPE ZILCH, doesnt want to face the music why it sunk so low, it was good why it lasted, But Martha and Donald used the media to hype their own ends,,,lmao..

Posted by Fernando on 03/03/2006 7:38 PM

She is a convict. what do you expect?

Posted by Kate on 03/07/2006 9:07 AM

"Don't argue with a fool. People won't be able to tell the difference."

Posted by Barbara on 03/07/2006 6:14 PM

Fernando said: She is a convict. what do you expect?

My sentiments exactly. There is a popular saying that goes something like this: If you hang around trash, you might get trash on you.

Being a bit late to this conversation, I still just have to add my personal comments or I'm going to pop!

I bought a signature [Martha Stewart] trash can from Kmart a few months back for a particular reason. Some could argue that since I had purchased the trash can, I'm supporting Martha Stewart. Okay. So I did support her and contributed $12.00 to her bank account. However, the psychological message of purchasing the trash can was worth more money to me than Martha Stewart can ever earn in the is lifetime or any other lifetime. Each time I throw trash away in my nifty signature [Martha Stewart} trash can, I'm really throwing trash at Martha. So, who really wins in this situation? She got $12.00! Big deal! I consider the $12.00 I spent for the signature [Martha Stewart] trash can a steal! It is worth that [$12.00] and then some to be able to throw trash at Martha several times a day!! Who really won? IMO, I did!

Never fear. Trump is going to have society approval. Like Fernado already stated, it is a fact that Martha Stewart is a convict. Fernando stated reality, pun intended!

Posted by Brian at Pick N Personalize (Retailer of Personalized Gifts and Party Favors) on 04/19/2006 10:51 PM

I guess sometimes friends have to stay friends if they want to maintain long lasting relationship. Getting into a business relationship with a friend can sometimes end up hurting the friendship.

Posted by member1546326 on 03/27/2007 3:28 PM

Mr. Trump, I can certainly relate to your situation. You would think that those whom you promote and speak highly of would not take your words for granted, but, unfortunately, in most circumstances, they do. I've learned that, simply, because I am grateful, does not mean that others are. So many are so expectant and act entitled, like the world owes them something for doing one exceptional thing. Everyday is a new day, so nobody should think that they have the luxury to sit back on their laurels of past performances... while everyone strokes their egos. I admire you because you accomplish great things, daily, and you are constantly pushing yourself to be greater, each and every day. Thanks for the inspiration!

Posted by Rachael Sutton #1253595 on 11/30/2008 8:37 AM

I couldn't agree with your quote more.

"One thing about life: when you help somebody, it's always nice to get a thank you."

It is always good practice to sincerely thank and recognize those who have helped you.

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