An unearthed interview from 1988 reveals that Oprah Winfrey once praised Donald Trump, calling him a “folk hero” and expressing fascination with his popularity.

This discovery contrasts sharply with Winfrey’s recent comments at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, in which she criticized Trump’s rhetoric and highlighted her view of the importance of civilized debate in American democracy, as Fox News reports.

Winfrey’s shifting stance underscores a significant change in her view of Trump over the decades. In the 1988 interview, Winfrey was clearly intrigued by Trump’s appeal, remarking on how he received the loudest applause at a New York concert.

She questioned what it was about Trump that captivated the American public, even joking with him that people thought he might “moonwalk” on stage.

1988 Interview Highlights Trump’s Popularity

During the 1988 interview, Winfrey’s admiration for Trump was evident as she observed the enthusiasm he garnered from the public.

She described how various celebrities attended the New York concert, yet it was Trump who received the loudest cheers when he entered. Winfrey’s description of Trump as a “folk hero” encapsulated the broader public’s fascination with him at the time.

Trump, in response to Winfrey’s comments, downplayed his popularity, humorously suggesting that perhaps he “should be a rockstar.” The interview highlighted a time when Trump was seen by many as an emblem of success and charisma, a far cry from the polarized figure he has become in today’s political landscape.

This interview was brought back into the spotlight just as Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21. Her speech at the convention marked a clear departure from the admiration she once expressed for Trump.

Oprah Criticizes Trump At 2024 DNC

Winfrey’s remarks at the convention focused on the need for serious, civilized discussions in American politics. She criticized what she described as the “old tricks and tropes” used by Trump to distract from important issues. Winfrey emphasized that the times were too complicated for “ridiculous tweets and lies,” calling for mature conversations as essential to the democratic process.

In a pointed remark, Winfrey took aim at a recent statement made by Trump, in which he suggested that his supporters “won’t have to vote anymore” if he were elected. Winfrey responded by asserting her pride in being a registered Independent who values the right to vote “again and again” as a fundamental part of being American.

Trump Campaign Responds with Old Thank-You Letter

Following Winfrey’s comments, the Trump campaign responded by posting a thank-you letter that Winfrey wrote to Trump in 2000, in which she suggested that he would make a good president. This move was intended to highlight the apparent contradiction between Winfrey’s past praise and her current criticism.

However, in a 2023 interview, Winfrey had already addressed her past views, acknowledging that she might have thought highly of Trump “23 years ago.” This admission suggests that Winfrey’s opinions have evolved over time, reflecting the changing political and social landscape.

Fox News Digital reportedly reached out to Winfrey for comment on the resurfaced interview and the Trump campaign’s response, but they did not receive a reply before publication. This lack of response leaves questions about how Winfrey now views her past interactions with Trump.

Commentary From Trump Campaign on Celebrity Criticism

Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for the Trump campaign, commented on the situation, pointing out that many celebrities who now criticize Trump once supported him.

Leavitt accused these celebrities of being disingenuous, suggesting that their current opposition to Trump is driven by partisan motives rather than genuine convictions.

The resurfacing of the 1988 interview, coupled with Winfrey’s recent comments, highlights the complex and evolving relationship that many public figures have with Trump. Once admired for his business acumen and public persona, Trump has since become a deeply divisive figure in American politics.

Conclusion

The resurfaced 1988 interview between Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump serves as a stark reminder of how perceptions can shift over time.

Winfrey’s once favorable view of Trump contrasts sharply with her recent criticisms, reflecting broader changes in both Trump’s public image and the political environment.

As the 2024 election approaches, these evolving dynamics will likely continue to shape the discourse surrounding Trump and his legacy.