Omarosa Manigault Newman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Omarosa Manigault Newman
Omarosa in 2017
Born	Omarosa Onee Manigault (1974-02-05) February 5, 1974 (age 51) Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
Education	Central State University (BA) Howard University (MA) United Theological Seminary Payne Theological Seminary
Political party	Independent (2019–present) Republican (2015–2019) Democratic (before 2015)
Spouse(s)	Aaron Stallworth ​ ​ (m. 2000; div. 2005)​ John Newman ​ (m. 2017)​
Partner(s)	Michael Clarke Duncan (2010–2012; his death)

Omarosa Onee Newman (born February 5, 1974), known simply as Omarosa, is an American television personality, writer, and former political helper. She became famous as a contestant on the first season of the TV show The Apprentice.

Omarosa also worked in the White House for former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. During the Trump administration, she was an assistant to the President. After leaving the White House, she appeared on the reality TV shows Celebrity Big Brother US in 2018 and Big Brother Australia VIP in 2021.

In August 2018, Omarosa wrote a book called Unhinged. It shared details about her time working in the White House. She also released some secret recordings she made while working there.

Early Life and Education

Omarosa was born in Youngstown, Ohio. Her parents were Theresa Marie Walker and Jack Thomas Manigault. When she was seven years old, her father passed away.

After finishing high school in Youngstown, she went to Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. In 1996, she earned a degree in communications. Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., to study at Howard University. There, she earned a master's degree. Omarosa also studied biblical studies at Payne Theological Seminary.

In the 1990s, Omarosa worked for Vice President Al Gore during the Clinton administration. She later moved to the Commerce Department.

Reality Television Career

Omarosa is well-known for her appearances on many reality TV shows.

Becoming Famous on The Apprentice

Omarosa first became famous in 2004. She was a contestant on the first season of NBC's reality show The Apprentice. On the show, she was known for her strong personality. Some people called her "reality TV's number one bad girl." Omarosa believed she was a smart businesswoman. She thought the show's producers made her look like a "villain." She was "fired" from the show in week 9.

In January 2008, Omarosa returned for the first season of Celebrity Apprentice. She was the only former contestant invited back. On this show, she had a rivalry with fellow contestant Piers Morgan. She was "fired" in the 10th episode. She raised $49,000 for her chosen charity.

In June 2010, Omarosa and Donald Trump worked together on a dating show. It was called The Ultimate Merger. Twelve men competed to win her affection. The show was shown on TV One.

Returning for All-Star Celebrity Apprentice

Omarosa in 2008

In February 2013, Omarosa appeared on All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Her team won an early challenge. Later, she was "fired" by Donald Trump after an argument with Piers Morgan. Omarosa felt she was competing against Piers Morgan as well as the other contestants.

Time on Celebrity Big Brother

Omarosa was a contestant on the first season of Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. The show aired on the CBS network. She stayed in the game for a long time, winning challenges and making it to the final five contestants. During the show, she talked about her experiences working with Donald Trump. These discussions got a lot of attention in the news. Omarosa finished in fifth place.

Competing on Big Brother VIP

In 2021, Omarosa competed on Big Brother VIP, which is the celebrity version of the Australian Big Brother show. She was the first contestant to be voted off the show.

Working with Donald Trump

Omarosa was a registered Democrat for many years. However, she had a personal connection with Donald Trump. In July 2016, she was named the director of African-American outreach for Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

In December 2016, Omarosa was announced as part of Trump's team for the presidential transition. On January 3, 2017, it was reported that she would join Trump's White House staff. Her official title was assistant to the President and director of communications for public engagement. She changed her political party to Republican. She hoped more African Americans would do the same.

In June 2017, Omarosa invited the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to visit the White House. The CBC is a group of African-American members of Congress. They did not accept her invitation.

Leaving the White House

On December 13, 2017, the White House announced that Omarosa would resign. Her resignation became official on January 20, 2018. There were different stories about how she left. The White House said she resigned, but some reports said she was fired. Omarosa later revealed she had secretly recorded her firing. She shared this recording with a TV show. This caused some discussion because she had recorded it inside a very secure area of the White House called the Situation Room.

In February 2018, while on Celebrity Big Brother, Omarosa spoke out against the Trump administration. She said she would not vote for Trump again.

After the Trump Administration

After leaving the White House, Omarosa wrote her book, Unhinged. It shared her experiences and criticisms of the Trump administration. The White House press secretary said the book contained "lies and false accusations."

Omarosa also said she turned down a job offer from Lara Trump, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law. This job offer came with a special agreement that would have prevented her from talking about her time in the White House.

Personal Life

Omarosa had an older brother, Jack Thomas Manigault Jr., who passed away in 2011.

In 2000, Omarosa married Aaron Stallworth. They divorced in 2005. She then started using only her first name, Omarosa.

In August 2009, Omarosa began studying at the United Theological Seminary to become a minister. She received her preacher's license in 2011 and was formally ordained in 2012. She shared that she decided to become a minister after visiting an orphanage in West Africa.

On August 13, 2010, Omarosa confirmed she was dating actor Michael Clarke Duncan. They had met at a grocery store. In July 2012, she found him in cardiac arrest and performed CPR. He passed away on September 3, 2012.

She married John Allen Newman on April 8, 2017. Their wedding was held at Trump's hotel in Washington, D.C. John Newman is a senior pastor at a church in Jacksonville, Florida. After her wedding, Omarosa tried to take wedding photos at the White House, but she couldn't post them due to rules about ethics and security.

Omarosa is currently studying law at Southern University Law Center.

Television Appearances

Books Written by Omarosa

• Art My Way: Momarosa's Guide to Living a Vibrant Energetic Life, 2010
• Unhinged: An Insider's Account of the Trump White House, 2018