Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Trump Photographer Planned to Publish a Book of Her White House Photos—But Trump Got to It First

Trump Photographer Planned to Publish a Book of Her White House Photos—But Trump Got to It First
Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images // Win McNamee/Getty Images

One of the most common criticisms of former President Donald Trump is his perception as a grifter. Whether he's stiffing contractors or promoting campaign contests with no apparent winner, the former president has demonstrated a laser-focus on generating as much money as possible for his coffers, with others bearing the expenses.

Such was the case for Trump's White House photographer, Shealah Craighead, according to a new report from Eric Lipton and Maggie Haberman of the New York Times.


In the final weeks of Trump's time in the White House, Craighead—who's known for her work with Republican presidents—alerted Trump's aides that she would be curating the photos she'd taken of Trump into a book, just as every White House photographer since the late President Ronald Reagan has done.

Initially, Trump's team demanded a portion of Craighead's advance in exchange for Trump to write a foreword, but they later told her to halt the plans.

Now, Trump is selling a book featuring Craighead's photos and those of other photographers, in some instances for more than $200 per copy, and pocketing the profits, and reportedly snagging a multimillion dollar advance.

Trump's former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, told the Times:

“Shea’s a very talented photographer and this was really all of her hard work. I just keep thinking: What a shame that he is actually now profiting off of it. But then again, this is the guy who is hawking caps and all kinds of stuff right now to raise money for himself.”

Because the photos were taken by an official White House photographer, they're considered public domain, so Trump's hijacking of Craighead's photos is technically legal, but morally loathsome.

For her part, Craighead—who has since shelved her book plans—declined to comment specifically about the matter, but did tell the Times:

“I stay apolitical as possible, as I am a neutral historical documentarian. By staying neutral I am able to remain a keen observer.”

Social media users were disgusted at Trump's latest grift.

 


 


 


 

But they weren't surprised.

 


 


 


 


 

John Bredar, an author with expertise on the history of White House photographers told the Times that the initial arrangement—Trump taking a cut of the Craighead's advance in exchange for promotion and a foreword—was also the first apparent instance of a former President seeking to make money from a White House photographer's planned book.

More from People/donald-trump

People Reveal The Dark Secrets They Discovered About Someone After They Died

Sometimes you never know who someone is until they're gone.

Everyone has their secrets.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Jesse Watters; Hakeem Jeffries
Fox News; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Jesse Watters Pathetically Tries To Burn Hakeem Jeffries With Bizarre 'Rule For Men' Rant

Fox News personality Jesse Watters was widely mocked after he criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for having recently shared a photo of himself on Instagram that appeared to be digitally altered—with the bench he was leaning against noticeably warped around his hips.

You can see Jeffries' photo below.

Keep ReadingShow less
Snoop Dogg
Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

Snoop Dogg's Puppy Instagram Breaks Internet

Snoop Dogg introduced his fans to the newest little bow-wow in his household, a puppy named Baby Boy Broadus.

The adorable small tan French bulldog made his debut on the rapper’s Instagram account on June 28th, sporting a Louis Vuitton leash and chewing on his owner’s Death Row Jacket.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
DRM News/YouTube

Trump Ripped After Going Off On Bonkers Rant About Room's Decor During Cabinet Meeting

During Tuesday's cabinet meeting while the press was in attendance, MAGA Republican President Donald Trump gave a rambling stream of consciousness speech that went all over the place before landing on paint versus gold leaf, leading people to again question the POTUS' mental acuity amid a notable cognitive decline.

In a disjointed monologue about the decor in the cabinet room, Trump said he stole a grandfather clock from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office and chose a painting of James Polk because the frame matched the frame around his favorite President—Andrew Jackson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots of Eric Adams
@ericadamsfornyc/Instagram

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Roasted After Viewers Notice Awkward Detail In His 'Morning Routine' Video

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was widely mocked after he shared a video on social media of his "morning routine," with time stamps showing his activities—only for viewers to notice that a standard black-and-white wall clock visible in part of the video showed a very different time.

Adams jumped on the latest Instagram trend this week, sharing his version of a “morning routine” video with his followers. The trend, which has already begun to fade, typically features sped-up clips of people going through their early rituals—complete with edits, ambient music, and timestamp overlays.

Keep ReadingShow less