Trump Said He Wanted O.J. Simpson On ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ For ‘Huge Ratings’

After the death of former NFL star and actor O.J. Simpson from prostate cancer this week, an interview with former President Donald Trump and Howard Stern from July 2008 has resurfaced. 

In 2008, Simpson had long been known for his infamous trial for the murders of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. Simpson was acquitted of the murders despite physical evidence linking him to the scene.

By the time Stern interviewed Trump, Simpson had also been arrested for robbery and kidnapping and later sentenced to nine years in prison.

“NBC went totally crazy when I wanted to put OJ on The Apprentice,” Trump told Stern. 

When Stern asked why he wanted Simpson, Trump responded, “Well, you know, in your business, there’s a thing called ratings. I know this: If I put OJ on, I get huge ratings.”

When Stern asked if Trump spoke to Simpson about the idea, Trump’s answer was unclear.

“I can’t go into details . . . I refuse to say . . . I hadn’t spoken to him in years,” Trump said. “I don’t like people that kill their wives, ok? Does that make sense? Does that make me a disloyal person?”

According to NBC, Trump was, in fact, in contact with Simpson. Trump has had a friendship with Simpson before the murder charges. In 1993, before Brown and Goldman were killed, Trump invited Simpson to his wedding to Marla Maples.

In June 2023, Simpson gave Trump legal advice on X (formerly Twitter) after the former president was indicted a second time: “Do not talk about the case publicly!”

Trump is no stranger to outlandish suggestions. Last week, at a Palm Beach fundraiser for billionaires, the former president suggested that President Joe Biden soiled himself in the Oval Office.