Why Exactly Did Trump Have a Cameo in 'Home Alone 2'?

The Home Alone franchise is one of the most recognizable franchises in the world — identifiable for Kevin's cheeky tricks played on the burglars, who are out to rob the McAllister family. Home Alone made its debut in 1990, which proved to be a huge success for 20th Century Fox and director, Chris Columbus. Following on from its success at the box office, a sequel was confirmed, and many people can agree that it's just as good as the first movie in the franchise.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released in 1992, making $359 million at the box office. With the sequel being slightly longer than the first installment, it gave Columbus the opportunity to really expand on the story, explore the characters' personalities, and of course, include certain cameo roles. One famous cameo included a moment in the movie where future President Donald Trump showed up. But why exactly did Trump have a cameo in #HomeAlone2?

The Reason Is Rather Bizarre

When Trump was first spotted in Home Alone 2, the audience didn't see it as anything special, and why would they? However, now that Trump is President of the United States, everyone is asking why Trump is at the same hotel as Kevin McAllister while he's lost in New York.

Matt Damon, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, gave some insight into this bizarre appearance. When asked if he ever met Trump, Damon responded:

"No. The deal was that if you wanted to shoot in one of his buildings, you had to write him in a part. [Director] Martin Brest had to write something in Scent of a Woman — and the whole crew was in on it. You have to waste an hour of your day with a bullshit shot: Donald Trump walks in and Al Pacino’s like, “Hello, Mr. Trump!” — you had to call him by name — and then he exits. You waste a little time so that you can get the permit, and then you can cut the scene out. But I guess in Home Alone 2 they left it in."

So apparently they decided to keep Trump's scene included as part of the festive film. You have to admit, even with his weird requirements, Trump's cameo in Home Alone 2 does actually work quite well, even if it's a blink and you'll miss it moment.

The first two installments of the #HomeAlone franchise will probably remain popular for quite some time because they capture a great American holiday spirit. Why not get in the Christmas spirit now and watch Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and see how many cameo shots you can spot?