Chris Columbus, the director of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, has revealed the real reason Donald Trump appeared in the movie. According to Columbus, the crew wanted to film in the iconic Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned at the time. However, Trump agreed to the shoot on one condition: he had to be included in the movie. “We paid the fee, but he also said, ‘The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie,’” Columbus explained.
Initially unsure about keeping the cameo, Columbus decided to leave it in after observing audience reactions during test screenings. Viewers unexpectedly cheered when Trump appeared on screen, leading the director to see it as “a moment for the audience.” Trump’s brief appearance, where he directs Kevin McCallister to the hotel lobby, has since become one of the most talked-about scenes in the Christmas classic.
Trump himself addressed claims that he “bullied” his way into the movie, stating on his Truth Social platform that the filmmakers were persistent in their request. He added, “That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is, especially around Christmas.”
The cameo continues to divide audiences, but it remains a notable piece of Home Alone trivia, adding a layer of intrigue to the beloved holiday film. For Columbus, the inclusion of Trump was a practical decision that unexpectedly became a memorable part of cinematic history.
