Mark Burnett, the power producer who helped reintroduce President-elect Donald Trump to national television audiences with “The Apprentice,” is exploited by the President-elect to the newly created position of Special Envoy to the United Kingdom in his next administration.
London-born Burnett helped produce hits like “Survivor” and “The Voice,” but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump to “The Apprentice”, first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been well known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped make him a household name again — although Trump severed ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first bid for the White House.
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A source close to the decision told CBS News that Burnett was originally listed as a candidate for U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, but as a dual national, that complicated the situation. That selection ultimately went to Republican donor Warren Stephens, CEO of the investment bank Stephens Inc.
It’s unclear exactly what Burnett’s envoy role will entail.
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings to this important role a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition,” Trump announced Saturday.
Burnett’s selection continues Trump’s trend of staffing his new administration with people with prestigious backgrounds in television or politics, or both – including his choice to be secretary of Defense, Pete Hegsethformer co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend”, former TV doctor and unsuccessful candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on “The Apprentice” and other appearances during his association with NBC, including in footage in which he said he might sexually assault women. women and get away with it because he was a “star”. “
Nearly a decade after leaving his reality TV role, Trump’s television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show introduced Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first campaign from the building’s lobby.
“Mark is known for creating and producing some of the greatest shows in television history,” Trump wrote in his statement about Burnett, listing several of his biggest hits before adding, “including ‘The Apprentice.’ ” and noting that Burnett “won 13 Emmy Awards!”
Special envoys are typically chosen by presidents for the world’s traditional hot spots, including the Middle East – where Trump has previously said he would like Steven Witkoff to fill the role. The United Kingdom, which has long enjoyed a “special relationship” with the United States that makes it one of Washington’s most powerful global allies, is not generally a candidate for such positions.
But Trump announced a series of special envoy positions to several high-profile loyalists before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, including his former ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, whom he chose as his envoy for the missions special. This announcement joins previous ones, including those of Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs and Keith Kellogg as 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 exchange.”
