In a 1988 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the famous talk show host expressed amazement at Americans’ “fascination” with Donald Trump, even describing him as a “folk hero” because of his popularity.
“There were all kinds of celebrities in New York, because it was the opening concert in New York, and all kinds of famous people, very famous people, came out to take their seats, and when they sat down, they got the biggest round of applause. When they came in, people stood up and yelled and cheered,” Winfrey said in the interview. “Why? What’s the allure?”
“I don’t know, maybe I should be a rock star,” Trump replied.
“Everyone thought you were going to do the moonwalk,” Oprah joked.
When Trump reflected on Oprah and his own popularity, she also called him a “folk hero.”
of Unearthed interviews The issue came to light a day after Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, where she blasted her former friend, Trump.
Oprah Winfrey makes surprise appearance at Democratic National Convention, slams man who once considered running with her
“We know all of the old tricks and tropes that have been invented to distract us from what really matters,” Winfrey told those gathered at Chicago’s United Center. “But we’re beyond the silly tweets and lies and follies. These are complicated times, folks, and they require adult conversations. And I welcome such conversations, because civilized debate is essential to our democracy and it’s what America is at its best.”
Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey at the Tyson v. Holmes Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Jeffrey Asher/Getty Images)
Winfrey also took aim at Trump’s comments last month, when he told supporters that he would solve all their problems and that if they elected him they “would never have to vote again”.
“Right now, a candidate is saying, if I go to the polls this time, I’ll never have to go again. But guess what? All you see is a registered independent who is proud to vote again and again because I’m an American. That’s what Americans do. Voting is the best thing about America.”
Former Biden press secretary draws ire from liberals by defending Trump’s comments about future elections
Donald Trump and Ivana Trump appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in Chicago on April 25, 1988.
Shortly after her speech, the Trump campaign Letter of thanks Winfrey wrote Trump in 2000, suggesting that he would make a good president and that they would make a good team in politics.
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“Maybe that’s what I thought at the time.” Winfrey said In an interview in 2023. “I might have thought that 23 years ago.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Winfrey for comment but did not immediately receive a response before publication.
Oprah Winfrey takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 21, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Seeger)
“This is classic: Many of the liberal celebrities now attacking President Trump used to love him,” Caroline Leavitt, national spokesperson for the Trump campaign, told Fox News Digital. “They’re pretending to hate him now because he’s a Republican and because they’re fakes like Kamala Harris.”
