The Apprentice - You have to be willing to do anything to anyone to win

Donald Trump works for his father Fred Trump’s real estate empire, the Trump Organization. The company faces a lawsuit from African Americans alleging tenant discrimination. Roy Cohn is a renowned lawyer who is known for winning against the government, and Donald knows he can help them win the case. Therefore, Donald finds Roy and tries to convince him to represent Trump in the case. Although initially uninterested, Roy is eventually convinced to represent Trump. Roy blackmails the prosecutor to drop the case, securing a victory for Trump. Rather than charging a fee, Roy offers his services free of charge, seeing potential in Donald and wanting to establish a friendship. Donald, recognizing Roy as a more valuable mentor than his father. Roy's extensive network helps Donald connect with influential leaders, and he imparts three key principles: always attack, never admit wrongdoing, and always claim victory.

Donald aspires to build Trump Tower, a skyscraper in New York City, despite his father's skepticism due to the poor economy. Determined to realize his vision, Donald seeks Roy's assistance in overcoming obstacles. When meeting with property developers who are initially hesitant, Donald promises to secure them a tax holiday. With Roy's help in obtaining the tax break, the project receives approval, though it faces public criticism for apparent collusion between government and business interests.

At a private club, Donald meets Ivana, a beautiful woman with a boyfriend. Even though he learns that Ivana is not single, Donald is still trying to do things to impress her. Donald is madly in love with her, so he asks Ivana out. After several dates, Ivana breaks up with her old boyfriend and begins dating Donald and eventually gets married. After the opening of Trump Tower, Donald becomes more famous, and so does Ivana. Donald wants more from Ivana, because Ivana can’t satisfy him anymore. Trump starts seeing somebody else, and he doesn’t love Ivana as much as before. Donald has been taking drugs to slow the aging, but they come with side effects.

Roy contracts AIDS, but he doesn’t admit it publicly. By that time, Donald already has a new lawyer. Roy has been a sick man, so his value to Donald diminishes. When Roy asks Donald to allow his friend to stay in his hotel. Donald initially agrees but later throws his friend out. Roy is mad about Donald’s decision and has a quarrel with him in the street. Upon learning that Roy is in poor health, Donald invites Roy and throws a party for him to celebrate his birthday, though the gift he presents is revealed by Ivana to be counterfeit. Roy passes away shortly after.

Having achieved business success, Donald writes an autobiography, appropriating Roy's three principles as his own philosophy.

The movie offers a portrayal of Donald Trump's rise to prominence in New York. Donald is an ambitious entrepreneur who persistently pursues his vision despite obstacles. His controversial yet effective methods ultimately lead to his success.