Donald Trump announces 'The Apprentice' producer as special envoy Adeola Adeosun, 12/21/2024 Donald Trump appoints 'The Apprentice' producer Mark Burnett as Special Envoy to the UK, focusing on trade and cultural relations. This role highlights Trump's pattern of selecting loyal associates for diplomatic positions, as Burnett aims to leverage his media experience on the international stage. Burnett, who created The Apprentice and Survivor among other hit shows, will serve in a diplomatic role focusing on trade, investment, and cultural relations between the two countries.
Newsweek contacted the Trump transition team via email on Saturday for comment.
The award-winning executive producer's relationship with Trump spans decades, most notably through their long collaboration on NBC's popular competition series, The Apprentice, which ran from 2004 to 2017.
Actor Tom Arnold accused Burnett of "going apes***" and attacking him at a pre-Emmy party in 2018 after claiming the executive was in possession of filmed outtakes of Trump saying offensive comments and racial slurs.
The selection of Burnett, who helped shape Trump's public image as a successful real estate tycoon through reality television shows the president-elect's continued practice of appointing close associates and loyalists to prestigious diplomatic positions.
Burnett brings significant media industry experience to the diplomatic role. He previously served as Chairman of MGM's worldwide television group until 2022 when he departed following Amazon's acquisition of the studio.
The appointment comes alongside other significant personnel announcements today on Truth Social, including Chad Mizelle as Department of Justice Chief of Staff, Aaron Reitz as head of the DOJ's Office of Legal Policy, and David Fink as Federal Railroad Administrator.
Donald Trump: "With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role."
Mark Burnett: "I am truly honored to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom."
Former Apprentice Producer Bill Pruitt: Has previously described Trump's image on the NBC series as a "myth we created."
As Special Envoy, Burnett will work alongside but separately from Trump's nominated UK Ambassador, Warren Stephens, in a role that doesn't require Senate confirmation.
