Well, Bonfire of the Vanities was written in 1987. The interview was in 1987, closer to the 90s but details an accuracy are simply annoying.
Different people process things differently. Maybe you’ll understand the problem better if you read it:
Pat Buchanan: Who are your favorite authors?
Donald Trump: Well, I have a number favorite authors. I think Tom Wolfe is excellent.
Pat Buchanan: Did you read Vanity of the the Bonfires?
Donald Trump: I did not.
Tom Braden: What book are you reading now?
Donald Trump: I reading my own book again because I think it’s so fantastic Tom.
Pat Buchanan: What’s the best book you’ve read beside Art of the Deal?
Donald Trump: I really like Tom Wolfe last book. And I think he’s a great author. He’s done a beautiful job —
Pat Buchanan: Which book?
Donald Trump: His current book.
Pat Buchanan: Bonfire of the Vanities.
Donald Trump: Yes. And the man has done a very, very good job.
He has no clue who Tom Wolfe is!