Director Chris Columbus says Donald Trump made a cameo a condition of filming Home Alone 2: Lost in New York at the Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned at the time. Trump disputed that account in 2023, saying the filmmakers had repeatedly asked him and that he had not wanted to appear. The private exchange has not been independently established by the cited reporting, so “bullied” is Columbus’s characterization—not a legal or contractual finding.
Why was Trump in Home Alone 2?
The film’s production wanted to shoot in the Plaza Hotel lobby, and Columbus later said the filmmakers could not recreate the hotel convincingly on a soundstage. In a 2020 interview with Insider, as reported by ComicBook.com and TheWrap, Columbus recalled that the production paid a location fee, but Trump told them: “The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie.” Columbus said the filmmakers agreed to include him.
Trump owned the Plaza from 1988 to 1995, a period that includes the film’s production, according to the Associated Press. That ownership explains why the location and the cameo were linked in Columbus’s account; it does not independently confirm what was said in the private negotiation.
What did Columbus mean by “bullied”?
Columbus described the alleged condition this way: “But he did bully his way into the movie.” The phrase reflects the director’s view of the negotiation. The cited reports do not establish the exact contract language or provide independent corroboration of the exchange, and they do not document a formal finding that Trump bullied the production.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What did Trump say in response?
In a December 2023 Truth Social post quoted by The Guardian, Trump gave the opposite account. He said the filmmakers had been persistent, that he was busy and did not want to appear, but that he eventually agreed. He rejected Columbus’s version, writing: “Nothing could be further from the truth.” Trump also claimed the cameo helped the film’s success.
| Question | Columbus’s account | Trump’s account |
|---|---|---|
| Who initiated the cameo? | Trump made it a condition of filming at the Plaza, Columbus said. | The filmmakers persistently asked him, Trump said. |
| Did Trump want to appear? | Columbus’s account presents the cameo as a condition of access to the location. | Trump said he was busy and did not want to do it. |
| Why did the cameo remain? | Columbus said a favorable audience reaction at a Chicago screening led him to tell the editor to leave it in. | Trump argued the cameo helped the movie’s success. |
These are conflicting recollections of a private interaction, not competing accounts resolved by a released contract or production record. Their explanations for why the scene stayed in the film are different but not directly contradictory: Columbus described an editing decision after a screening, while Trump argued that the appearance benefited the movie.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why did Columbus keep the scene?
Columbus said audiences at a Chicago screening cheered when Trump appeared, so he told the editor to retain the moment. In a 2025 interview reported by The Guardian, Columbus continued to dispute Trump’s claim that the filmmakers had begged him: “There’s no world I would ever beg a non-actor to be in a movie.” He also said he wished the cameo were gone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the cameo, and how significant was it?
The scene is a brief exchange in the Plaza: Kevin McCallister asks for directions, and Trump points him toward the lobby. The Guardian described the appearance as seven seconds. That duration is a reported estimate, not a separately measured runtime.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For context, The Guardian reported in 2023 that Home Alone 2: Lost in New York grossed $359 million and was the third-highest-grossing film of 1992. Those figures describe the film’s performance; they do not establish who first proposed the cameo or prove either account of the negotiation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
