Donald Trump Gave ‘Banned’ Washington Post Permission to Write Biography

Donald Trump campaign press secretary Hope Hicks was against the upcoming biography written by “banned” reporters on the GOP nominee until Trump himself intervened, according to the Washington Post.

The paper said Hicks initially bashed “Trump Reveled,” as “incredibly disingenuous” and “icily” said Trump would not participate in the project by Washington Post writers Marc Fisher and Michael Kranish, who happened to be among a group of reporters publicly banned by Trump.

However, Hicks called back a few days later and said, “I told Mr. Trump about your project and he loves it,” according to the Post.

Also Read: Donald Trump Only Speaks With Roger Ailes 'On Occasion Now'

Trump then met with Fisher and Kranish, offering 20 hours plus of access over a four-month period, while the Post was supposed to be banned by the Trump campaign, according to the paper. The Post said Trump was willing to discuss everything from his childhood and real estate career to his political evolution. He even shared details of his “romances, family history, friendships and other influences,” it reported.

Fisher and Kranish called the interviews “fascinating but frequently frustrating.” They claim Trump often gave “disjointed answers” to uncomfortable questions.

BuzzFeed, The Huffington Post and Politico join the Washington Post on the Trump campaign’s blacklist, according to CNN. Banned reporters can attend Trump events as public citizens, but cannot attend private events such as press conferences.

But apparently, they are allowed to spend time with the GOP nominee and eventually write an entire book.

“Trump Revealed” will be published by Scribner on Aug. 23.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

17 Billionaires and Celebrities Who Could Run for President in 2020 (Photos)

• Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign will probably motivate other billionaires and celebrities to run for office in 2020. From Mark Cuban offering to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate to Kanye West declaring early, here are 14 potential candidates.

• Billionaire entrepreneur and "Shark Tank" star Mark Cuban was reportedly courted by anti-Donald Trump conservatives as an alternative candidate in 2016.

  Also Read: Mark Cuban Volunteers to Be Hillary Clinton’s VP, for Real (Video)

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• Starbucks CEO and chairman Howard Schultz, who considered a run for the 2016 Democratic nomination, has a rags-to-riches story that could win over the American public.

  Also Read: Ivanka Trump Blasts NY Times Expose on Her Father: ‘He’s Not a Groper’ (Video)

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• Kanye West announced his candidacy for the 2020 at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards. We have no idea if he's serious.

  Also Read: Kanye West for President 2020? It’s Not as Crazy as You Think

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• Former wrestling star and actor Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson is a Republican who recently tweeted about running for office.

  Also Read: CNN Picks Up ‘The Nineties’ and Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Soundtracks’

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• George Clooney could emerge as the Democratic version of Ronald Reagan.

  Also Read: Clinton Fundraiser George Clooney Agrees With Bernie Sanders About ‘Obscene’ Money in Politics (Video)

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• Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg hinted at a potential run in 2016, but 2020 could end up being a better fit.

  Also Read: Michael Bloomberg Rules Out Presidential Run in 2016

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• Former WWE star Jesse Ventura was governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003 and has hinted at a presidential bid.

  Also Read: Jesse Ventura Vents More ‘American Sniper’ Criticism By Comparing US to Nazis, Communists: ‘We Behave the Same Way Now’

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• Angelina Jolie once said she’s “open” to a career in politics. She also told Vanity Fair, “If you really want to make an extreme change, then you have a responsibility.”

  Also Read: Angelina Jolie Says It’s ‘Tragic and Shameful’ That Syrian Refugees Still Can’t Return Home

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• Former NFL star and current Denver Broncos executive John Elway is a Republican with the fan base and speaking ability to make an impact in politics.

  Also Read: Denver Broncos Defeat Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50

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• Howard Stern ran in New York’s gubernatorial race back in 1994. Trump's success proves anything is possible.

  Also Read: Howard Stern Renews Deal at Sirius XM for Five More Years

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• Tim McGraw is a longtime Democrat who once told Esquire magazine he could run in a Tennessee Senate or gubernatorial race. Maybe by 2020 he'll be ready for a bigger prize.

  Also Read: What’s a Superdelegate? A Short Explainer

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• Oprah Winfrey has denied interest in the past but deserves a spot on this list because she's asked about running so often.

  Also Read: Oprah Winfrey to Star in HBO’s ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’

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• Ben Affleck might be busy with the Batman and DC Comics franchise, but he's another famous actor who has floated the idea of a second career in politics.

  Also Read: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Reality Show ‘The Runner’ Reveals First Trailer (Video)

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• Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently said that Donald Trump does not act appropriately for a presidential candidate. Maybe Bezos will show us how it's done.

  Also Read: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos Fires Back at Donald Trump Threat

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• Leonardo DiCaprio recently used his Oscar speech to make a political statement on climate change.

  Also Read: Stacey Dash Attacks Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar Speech: ‘Quit Being Chicken Little’

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• Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made it clear that his company wants to appear fair to conservatives. Could he be setting things up to appeal to both sides of the aisle?

  Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg: I Know Many Conservatives Don’t Trust Facebook

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• Ivanka Trump could potentially give conservatives a 16-year stretch of Trumps in the White House.

  Also Read: Ivanka Trump Blasts NY Times Expose on Her Father: ‘He’s Not a Groper’ (Video)

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Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign might motivate other billionaires and celebrities to run for office in 2020

Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign will probably motivate other billionaires and celebrities to run for office in 2020. From Mark Cuban offering to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate to Kanye West declaring early, here are 14 potential candidates.

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