Mark Burnett, the powerhouse producer who helped reintroduce Donald Trump to national television audiences with “The Apprentice,” has been named by the president-elect as special envoy to the United Kingdom in his incoming administration. Tapped by
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic skills and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced Saturday.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like “Survivor” and “The Voice,” but is perhaps best known for working with Trump on “The Apprentice,” which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump was well known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped make him a household name again — even though Trump broke with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.
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 choice to be defense secretary, former “Fox & Friends” co-host Pete Hegseth. Weekend”, and former television doctor and failed Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations of his conduct on “The Apprentice” and other appearances during his relationship with NBC, particularly footage in which he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman and got away with it because he was a “star.” .
Nearly a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trump’s television career has become central to his biography and political rise. The event introduced Trump Tower as a symbol of power and success to millions of people before Trump launched his first campaign from the building’s lobby.
“Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in television history,” Trump wrote in his statement on Burnett, before adding, “most notably, ‘The Apprentice,'” before listing his many biggest hits and Burnett’s “biggest shows ever. 13 Won an Emmy Award!” Special envoys are typically chosen by presidents for the world’s traditional hotspots, including the Middle East — where Trump has already said he wants Steven Wittkoff to fill the role. The United Kingdom, which has long enjoyed a “special relationship” with the United States that makes it Washington’s strongest global ally, is not usually a candidate for such positions.
but Trump Ahead of Inauguration Day on January 20, several top loyalists have announced a series of special envoy posts, including Richard Grenell, his former ambassador to Germany, chosen as envoy for special missions. That announcement joins previous appointees, including Adam Boehler as the president’s special envoy for hostage matters, and Keith Kellogg to serve as special envoys for Ukraine and Russia.
Trump also announced on December 2 that he would pick billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens for the more standard role of US ambassador to the UK. This may raise questions about how the special British ambassador could overlap duties, but the president-elect said in a statement that Burnett “will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange”. .
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package