A very special relationship: Donald Trump appoints the creator of The Apprentice as special envoy to the UK after TV producer kickstarted his reality career
Donald Trump has appointed The Apprentice creator Mark Burnett as special envoy to Britain.
In his announcement on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Burnett as the producer of some of the biggest shows in TV history.
Burnett and Trump were nominated twice for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for The Apprentice in 2004 and 2005, but lost both times to The Amazing Race.
The president-elect also addressed Burnett’s role as a former chairman of MGM and winner of 13 Emmys.
In addition to The Apprentice, Burnett was also the creative force behind Survivor, Shark Tank and The Voice.
A social media post from Trump said: “It is my great honor to appoint Mark Burnett as Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.
‘With an impressive career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.
“Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in television history, including ‘Survivor,’ ‘Shark Tank,’ ‘The Voice’ and, most notably, ‘The Apprentice.’ He is the former chairman of MGM and has won 13 Emmy Awards.
President Donald Trump with television producer Mark Burnett, who has been appointed special envoy to Britain
In his announcement on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Burnett as the producer of some of the biggest shows in TV history
Burnett was the creative force behind Survivor, Shark Tank and The Voice and helped launch Trump’s reality career
“Mark will work to strengthen diplomatic ties, focusing on areas of mutual interest including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.”
Trump, at the age of 57, was picked by show creator Burnett to star in The Apprentice in 2003, largely because he was a household name thanks to his tabloid stardom in the 1990s.
While he claimed to be New York City’s most successful real estate developer, Trump re-emerged from a turbulent decade that saw him bankrupt some of the offshoots of his empire.
He faced a financial collapse after his Atlantic City casinos struggled, alongside stalled plans to open more money-making golf courses and skyscrapers across America.
But despite this lack of progress – which would change course in the following years as Trump’s own personal brand took off – the businessman would soon find himself on American screens as a high-flying billionaire.
Trump catapulted from The Apprentice to rebuild his famous billionaire image before his presidential ambitions took hold and Burnett took some of the credit for his new-found stardom.
The news comes after several controversial picks for Trump’s Cabinet, including former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary and soon-to-be Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Burnett’s role will differ from that of ambassador to Britain, which has already been given to one of his top donors Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker.
A spokesman for Burnett said he was “truly honored to serve the United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom,” in a statement to Variety.