Lisa Rinna Calls Out "Monster" Trump From "Celebrity Apprentice"

The "Real Housewives" star reflects on her experience with the former president during his reality TV days.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:35pm

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In her new memoir, Lisa Rinna, a former cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," wrote about her experience working with Donald Trump on "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice." Rinna said Trump was an "entertainer" back then, but she now sees him as a "monster" who "ruined the world." She was shocked by how Trump transformed from the person she knew on the show to the president he became, noting that his family members like Melania and his sons were also "gross."

Why it matters

Rinna's comments provide an insider's perspective on Trump's behavior and persona during his reality TV days, which contrasts sharply with the divisive and controversial figure he became as president. Her memoir offers a rare glimpse into Trump's conduct behind the scenes of his popular TV shows.

The details

In her memoir "You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It," Rinna wrote that there were "no signs back then that he'd become the monster he is today." She said Trump was a "great entertainer" on the set, coming out, saying his lines, and moving things along. However, Rinna noted that Trump did "hit on the married Playboy Playmate who had just had a baby" while he was married to Melania, whom Rinna described as a "robot." Rinna also said Ivanka Trump and Trump's sons Don Jr. and Eric were "just as gross as they are now." Now, Rinna says she "really dislikes him" and thinks he's "horrible and has ruined the world."

  • Rinna worked with Trump on "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" in the past.
  • Rinna's memoir "You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It" was published in 2026.

The players

Lisa Rinna

A former cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" who wrote about her experience working with Donald Trump on his reality TV shows.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who Rinna says transformed from an "entertainer" on his reality shows to a "monster" who "ruined the world."

Melania Trump

Donald Trump's wife, whom Rinna described as a "robot" during her appearances on the shows.

Ivanka Trump

Donald Trump's daughter, whom Rinna said was "just as gross as they are now" during her time on the shows.

Don Jr. and Eric Trump

Donald Trump's sons, whom Rinna said were "just as gross as they are now" during her time on the shows.

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What they’re saying

“There were no signs back then that he'd become the monster he is today. Trump was a great entertainer. He would come out, say his lines, do his job, and move it along.”

— Lisa Rinna, Former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member (tasteofreality.com)

“Come to think of it, he did hit on the married Playboy Playmate who had just had a baby. He was married to Melania. She came by to film an episode that revolved around her random beauty product. She was a robot. So was Ivanka — total Stepford Wives. And the sons Don Jr. and Eric were just as gross as they are now.”

— Lisa Rinna, Former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member (tasteofreality.com)

“I really dislike him. I think he's horrible and has ruined the world. I was shocked as anybody as to who he became. Maybe he's always been that way and he finally took the mask off. I don't know.”

— Lisa Rinna, Former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member (tasteofreality.com)

The takeaway

Rinna's memoir provides a unique insider's perspective on Donald Trump's behavior and persona during his reality TV days, offering a stark contrast to the divisive and controversial figure he later became as president. Her comments shed light on how Trump's public image and conduct evolved over time, raising questions about whether the "monster" she now sees was always there, just hidden behind a mask of entertainment.