Full Breakdown
Trump’s China Trip with Brett Ratner: A Biographer’s Insight
5/21/2026, 2:35:43 AM
China Trip with Brett Ratner
Last week, President Donald Trump traveled to China with a delegation that included CEOs Jensen Huang (Nvidia), Tim Cook (Apple) and filmmaker Brett Ratner. The trip was presented as a scouting mission for “Rush Hour” franchise reboot, Trump greenlit in 2023.
Ratner’s Background
Brett Ratner, 57, was a director before women accused him of sexual misconduct, prompting Warner Bros. to cut ties in 2017. He directed a Melania Trump documentary that Amazon bought for $40 million; the $75 million film earned $16.6 million, and crew requested credit removal. His name appears in Jeffrey Epstein files.
White House Response
The White House, Steven Cheung, rejected Wolff’s portrayal of the Trump-Ratner relationship as fabricated, calling Wolff a liar and saying his claims lack factual support.
Criticism
Wolff said Ratner is Trump’s “BFF and security blanket,” noting that Trump told him he needed constant contact. He said the friendship still shows Trump’s isolation from advisers and tends to blame others for Iran conflict and gas prices.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Ratner’s purpose in the China delegation. Some describe the trip as a film-location scouting mission, while Wolff characterizes his presence as a personal security arrangement. No official clarification has been issued.
Data
Iran conflict – 11 weeks, 13 U.S. service members killed, hundreds wounded; gas price $4.55 per gallon; Ratner documentary – $75 million budget, $16.6 million box office, $40 million Amazon acquisition.
Why It Matters
Ratner’s inclusion signals a shift in Trump’s inner circle toward associates with legal and reputational controversies, potentially influencing public perception of the administration’s judgment amid criticism of the Iran war, economic pressures, and consumer sentiment. Wolff’s description of the friendship as a ‘character takeaway’ underscores concerns about the administration’s handling of controversial figures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now, in his way of processing that, is to blame someone else,” — Michael Wolff, interview.
- “’” Reached for comment, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung told the Daily Beast in a frequently recycled statement: “Michael Wolff is a lying sack of s--t and has been proven to be a fraud.” — Steven Cheung, White House spokesperson.
What’s Next
The White House has not announced further trips with Ratner. The administration continues to face scrutiny over the Iran conflict and rising gas prices.
