Iconic Films, Unwanted Cameo
The first two Home Alone films are cherished Christmas classics. However, the same cannot be said for the director, Chris Columbus, especially when it comes to President Donald Trump’s cameo in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Columbus Labels the Cameo a ‘Curse’
Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Home Alone films, has referred to Trump’s seven-second cameo as a “curse.” He expressed a desire to remove the scene, even 33 years later. However, Columbus fears backlash if he were to do so.
“I can’t cut it,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle. “If I do, I’ll probably be sent out of the country. I’d be considered unfit to live in the United States.”
The Trump Influence
Columbus has often discussed how Trump’s appearance came about. In a 2020 interview with Business Insider, he explained that filming in The Plaza Hotel required Trump’s permission. At the time, Trump owned the hotel and agreed to let the film crew shoot in the lobby—under one condition.
“We paid the fee, but Trump said, ‘The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie,’” Columbus recalled.
The Unexpected Reaction
When the film premiered, an unexpected response occurred: the audience cheered when Trump appeared on screen. Columbus decided to keep the scene, thinking it would be a memorable moment for viewers. However, he still felt Trump had “bullied” his way into the film.
Trump’s Response
In 2023, Trump hit back on Truth Social, accusing Columbus of using him for publicity. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” Trump wrote. He claimed that his cameo helped the movie’s success and questioned why the scene had stayed in for over 30 years if Columbus truly felt bullied.
The Canadian Cut
Interestingly, in 2019, the Canadian network CBC removed Trump’s cameo from the film, stating it was “not integral to the plot.” This edit has stirred more debate about the lasting impact of the controversial cameo.
