NBC Chairman Bashes Donald Trump as ‘Demented,’ ‘Pompous’

NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt ripped Donald Trump as “pompous” and “toxic,” and even took a shot at the ratings of “Celebrity Apprentice” in a since-deleted post on his personal Facebook page earlier this week.

“Sad state of affairs thanks to a pompous businessman turned reality TV star (whose show consistently ran LAST in its time period, by the way) who thinks speaking his mind is refreshing,” Greenblatt wrote. “It’s actually corrosive and toxic because his ‘mind’ is so demented; and his effect will unfortunately linger long after he’s been told to get off the stage.”

The comments contrast with those made by the NBC chief a year ago, when he said of Trump’s popularity, “I guess people are looking for someone who speaks their mind … Whether you agree with anything he says, he says it without any filter … I think there’s something refreshing about that.”

Also Read: Donald Trump Wishes Neil Cavuto a Speedy Recovery ... 2 Months Late

It’s unclear whether the comments will have an impact on the upcoming presidential debates, in which Trump has maintained he will only participate if fair moderators are chosen. None have yet been selected, but the Republican candidate may now demur if NBC talent like Chuck Todd or Lester Holt are made moderators. It should be noted that Greenblatt does not directly oversee NBC News.

Greenblatt joined NBCUniversal in 2011, well after “The Apprentice” debuted. He is currently responsible for all aspects of primetime, late night and scripted daytime programming for the network, including business affairs, marketing, communications, scheduling, West Coast research and digital operations.

Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, was the star and producer of “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice” for 14 seasons, beginning in 2004. “The New Celebrity Apprentice” with Arnold Schwarzenegger will air on NBC later this year.

Also Read: NBC Boss on Network's Role in Creating Trump's Celebrity: That's TV's Job

Greenblatt’s Facebook page is not public and the anti-Trump message was first noticed by the New York Post.

NBC declined TheWrap’s request for additional comment.

9 Sickest Donald Trump Burns at the Democratic Convention

• Democrats at their national convention want to tell Americans that whatever they think of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump is worse. They're doing it with a barrage of sick burns. Here are the best.

• Elizabeth Banks

  "Some of you know me from The Hunger Games, in which I play Effie Trinket — a cruel, out-of-touch reality TV star who wears insane wigs while delivering long-winded speeches to a violent dystopia. So when I tuned into Cleveland last week, I was like, 'Hey, that's my act.'"

• Sarah Silverman

  "This Democratic primary was exemplary. No name calling, no comments about the size of candidates' hands or ethnicity or how much they sweat or if they go to the bathroom. Inside secret: they do. That stuff is for third graders ... major arrested development stuff. That's 'I'm still emotionally 4 and calling people names from my gold-encrusted sandbox because I was given money instead of human touch or coping tools' stuff. But I digress."

• Sen. Al Franken

  "Sure, he's scammed a lot of people. But did you know that Trump University's School of Ripping People Off is ranked second in the nation? Right behind Bernie Madoff University."

• Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
  
  "I've built a business and I didn't start it with a million-dollar check from my father ... I'm a New Yorker, and New Yorkers know a con when we see one."

• Vice President Joe Biden

  "He’s trying to tell us he cares about the middle class -- give me a break. That’s a bunch of malarkey ... The guy doesn't have a clue about the middle class, not a clue."

• Lena Dunham and America Ferrera

  Dunham: “We know what you’re all thinking: Why should you care what some television celebrity has to say about politics?”

  Ferrera: “And we feel the same way. But he is the Republican nominee, so we need to talk about him.”

• Vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine

  "He says, 'Believe me.' Well, his creditors, his contractors, his laid-off employees, and his ripped-off students did just that, and they all got hurt. Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump’s mouth."

• Retired Adm. John Hutson

  "More than 120 Republicans, national security leaders -- Republican national security leaders -- recently warned that Donald Trump would, in their words, 'make America less safe.' He even mocked POWs like John McCain. I served in the same Navy as John McCain. I used to vote in the same party as John McCain. Donald, you are not fit to polish John McCain’s boots."

• President Barack Obama

  "Anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end."

• If you enjoyed this gallery, you may also like our list of the best Democratic Convention speeches, ranked.

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Dems call Trump a con man demagogue who may be wearing wigs

Democrats at their national convention want to tell Americans that whatever they think of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump is worse. They're doing it with a barrage of sick burns. Here are the best.

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