In the heart of the holiday classic, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” lies a seven-second cameo that has apparently become a topic of unnecessary controversy. When the film requires young Kevin McCallister to find the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, who else to give directions than the then-owner of the hotel, Donald J. Trump? The scene served as a perfect New York moment, capturing the glitz and grandeur personified by Trump himself. It’s a snippet that’s been celebrated by many, yet for some, it’s become a comical point of contention.
Chris Columbus, the film’s director, recently expressed regret over the inclusion of Donald Trump’s cameo. He mentioned how Trump insisted on appearing in the movie to allow filming in the iconic hotel he then owned. Ironically, Columbus suggested that if he could, he’d remove that brief appearance, likening it to a curse. However, his hyperbole about being banished from the country if he cut the scene was as exaggerated as it was humorous. Filmmakers often face production challenges, but this one seems more like a case of buyer’s remorse than an actual dilemma.
The suggestion that someone could swap Trump’s cameo with President Biden is a head-scratcher for most. Imagining Biden in the lobby of the Plaza, giving directions, brings about a sense of absurdity that seems entirely misplaced. Would Biden even know where the lobby is? The commentary made during the conservative news channel was laden with sarcasm, as they considered how trivial it was to argue about a moment as fleeting as this one. Amidst the humor, they make a good point: there are far more significant things to worry about.
Notably, back when the movie was released, audiences reportedly cheered at the sight of Trump when the film premiered. Here was a figure who embodied New York, providing an authentic touch that resonated with movie-goers. That moment wasn’t just about Trump; it added to the film’s charm and its connection to the real-world glamour of Manhattan. After all, Donald Trump has long been as iconic to New York as the skyline itself, a larger-than-life personality who naturally fit into the cinematic tableau.
Elites may still find themselves in a tizzy over a few seconds of screen time, but everyday viewers continue to enjoy it—a testament to the former president’s enduring influence. “Home Alone 2” is a cherished movie for families, and watching Trump’s cameo is part of that nostalgia. Critics might be faulted for making mountains out of molehills; there are more pressing issues than nitpicking over a harmless scene from a family favorite. Until then, perhaps we can let this holiday classic remain untouched, keeping both Trumps in movies and Grinches in their own.
