Trump Appoints ‘Apprentice’ Producer Mark Burnett as Special Envoy to the United Kingdom
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Mark Burnett, the renowned television producer who played a pivotal role in elevating Donald Trump’s public profile through the reality series The Apprentice, has been named as special envoy to the United Kingdom by the president-elect.
“Mark’s extensive career in television and business uniquely positions him to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster international collaboration,” Trump announced on Saturday.
Burnett, a London native, is celebrated for creating hit shows like Survivor and The Voice. However, his work with Trump on The Apprentice, which premiered on NBC in 2004, stands out as one of his most notable achievements. The series not only showcased Trump’s business acumen but also solidified his status as a household name long before his political career began.
Trump’s decision to appoint Burnett reflects his preference for selecting high-profile individuals with backgrounds in media and politics for key roles. This pattern is evident in other appointments, such as former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary and television personality Mehmet Oz, the unsuccessful Senate candidate from Pennsylvania.
While The Apprentice brought Trump widespread fame, it also stirred controversy. During his 2016 campaign, allegations emerged regarding Trump’s behavior on the show, including widely publicized comments about women captured on leaked footage. Despite these controversies, Trump’s television career remains a cornerstone of his public narrative, portraying him as a symbol of success and authority.
“Mark Burnett is a pioneer in television production, with a legacy of creating some of the most iconic shows in history,” Trump stated, highlighting Burnett’s 13 Emmy Awards and his contributions to the industry, including The Apprentice.
In addition to Burnett’s appointment, Trump announced Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire casino magnate, as his pick for U.S. ambassador to Italy.
As special envoy to the United Kingdom, Burnett will focus on enhancing the long-standing “special relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K., emphasizing areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Traditionally, such roles are assigned to regions facing complex geopolitical challenges, like the Middle East. However, Trump’s administration has expanded the scope of these positions, assigning several to loyal allies.
This appointment raises questions about potential overlap with the duties of Warren Stephens, the investment banker previously nominated as U.S. ambassador to Britain. Trump clarified that Burnett’s role will complement Stephens’ by concentrating on specific initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral relations.
Burnett joins a growing roster of special envoys in Trump’s administration, including Richard Grenell for special missions, Adam Boehler for hostage affairs, and Keith Kellogg for Ukraine and Russia.
The appointments are part of Trump’s broader strategy to assemble a team of trusted individuals with diverse expertise as he prepares to take office on January 20.
