According to reports from multiple sources, a new book by ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, “Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party,” delves into alleged interactions between former President Donald Trump and reality TV star Kim Kardashian. These interactions reportedly occurred during Trump’s presidency and revolved around prison reform and celebrity influence.
The book claims that Trump asked Kardashian to use her celebrity status to persuade football players to visit the White House. In exchange, he allegedly offered to support her requests for clemency for certain prisoners. This request came after Kardashian had previously successfully lobbied Trump to commute the life sentence of Alice Johnson, a non-violent drug offender, a move that was widely publicized.
Kardashian, known for her advocacy in prison reform, reportedly attempted to fulfill Trump’s request but faced challenges as Trump’s public image had become “too toxic,” making it difficult for her to convince football stars to visit the White House.
Trump has vehemently denied these claims. He refuted the story presented in Karl’s book, labeling Kardashian as “the world’s most overrated celebrity.” Trump asserted that Kardashian would be the last person he would ask to facilitate a meeting with football players. He further noted that while he did assist in prisoner commutations, his efforts were more focused on Kanye West, Kardashian’s then-husband, rather than Kardashian herself.
Adding to the complexity of their relationship, the book also mentions a tense phone call between Trump and Kardashian following the 2020 US presidential election. Kardashian, who had been lobbying for additional sentence commutations before Trump left office, reportedly faced a demand from Trump for a “quid pro quo.” He asked her to arrange a visit from football stars, a request she could not fulfill.
The book describes a subsequent attempt by Kardashian to reach out to Trump for help with another clemency deal after he left office, which resulted in Trump hanging up on her. During this conversation, Trump accused Kardashian of voting for Joe Biden and said he wouldn’t help her. “And now you come asking for a favor.” This anecdote underscores the strained nature of their interactions and the challenges faced by celebrities in leveraging their influence for political or social causes.
Kardashian’s advocacy for prison reform has been a significant part of her public persona in recent years. Her meeting with Trump in 2018 to advocate for clemency for Alice Johnson was a notable moment in her journey. Trump’s granting of Johnson’s clemency was seen as a significant victory for Kardashian’s efforts.
The book by Jonathan Karl offers insights into the Trump administration’s dealings with celebrities and the impact of these interactions on political processes and decisions.