Scandal to add new presidential candidate based on Donald Trump
The character will join the likes of Mellie Grant and Susan Ross in the show's presidential race
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Though Scandal usually deals with entirely fictional politics, it seems as if the current presidential race was a call just too tempting to resist; a candidate is set to debut on the show who is directly inspired by Donald Trump.
The Hollywood Reporter says the episode was screened for fans at Paleyfest, which saw the new character join first lady Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young), Susan Ross (Artemis Pebdani), and Francisco Vargas (Ricardo Chavira) in the show's own presidential race.
"There might be some parallels coming," hinted Young; not for the first time, as the actor's own Mellie does bear a similarity to Hillary Clinton, though the character is running as a Republican candidate. Clinton herself even recently played a surprise visit to the set to watch the series being filmed.
It also appears as if the show is about to enter its own version of the presidential debates, with star Kerry Washington hinting; "If you think the debates you've seen in the real world are fun… "
"We did have some moments where I'd run back to the writers' room the next day [after a debate] and say, 'There's some dialogue we have to cross out because it's already happened'", showrunner Shonda Rhimes added. "The election right now is its own thing. You can't make that stuff up."
The new character will debut in the US on 17 March, 9PM on ABC.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments