Mark Burnett, the powerhouse producer who reintroduced Donald Trump to a national television audience on “The Apprentice,” has been tapped by the president-elect to be the incoming administration’s envoy to the United Kingdom.
“Mark has had a distinguished career in television production and business, and he brings a unique combination of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced on Saturday.
Burnett, who was born in London, has helped produce hits such as “Survivor” and “The Voice,” but is perhaps best known for working with Trump on “The Apprentice,” which first aired on NBC in 2004. .
Trump has been well-known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show made him a household name again — even though Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he first ran for the White House.
Burnett’s selection continues Trump’s trend of filling his incoming administration with people with high-profile backgrounds in television or politics or both — including his pick to serve as defense secretary, Pete Hegseth (Pete Hegseth), the former co-host of “Fox & Friends” Weekend,” and former Pennsylvania TV doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate Muhammad Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by accusations about his behavior on “The Apprentice” and other appearances during his time with NBC, particularly his claims that he could sexually assault women and get away with it. In the camera, because he is the “star”.
Nearly a decade after Trump left his reality TV role, his television career remains central to his biography and politics. The show showcased Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first campaign event from the building’s lobby.
“Mark is known for creating and producing some of the greatest shows in the history of television,” Trump wrote in a statement about Burnett. He listed his many hit shows, then added, “The most fascinating Watch for ‘The Apprentice,'” noting that Burnett “has won 13 Emmys!”
Special envoys are typically chosen by the president to cover traditional hotspots around the world, including the Middle East — a position Trump has said he wants Steven Witkoff to fill. Britain has long maintained a “special relationship” with the United States, making it one of Washington’s strongest global allies, but it is not typically a candidate for such posts.
But Trump announced a slew of envoy posts to several top loyalists ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, including his choice of former ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who was An envoy carrying out a special mission. Previously, Adam Boehler served as the President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and Keith Kellogg served as the Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
The president-elect said Burnett “will work to strengthen diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.”
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