Categories: Elections

Donald Trump appoints ‘The Apprentice’ creator Mark Burnett as special envoy to the UK

FILE - Television producer Mark Burnett, left, looks on as President Donald Trump arrives for the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 2, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Donald Trump has named British TV producer Mark Burnett, the creator of The Apprentice, as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.

Burnett, 64, rose to prominence in the 2000s and 2010s through his hit shows that elevated Trump’s profile, including The Apprentice and other major productions.

Trump Announces Burnett’s Appointment

On Truth Social, Trump praised Burnett’s career, calling him a “visionary” in television production and business.

“It is my great honor to appoint Mark Burnett as the Special Envoy to the United Kingdom,” Trump wrote. “With a distinguished career and unique blend of diplomatic acumen, Mark is well-suited for this important role.”

Trump highlighted Burnett’s role in creating blockbuster shows such as Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Voice.

In response, Burnett said, “I am truly honored to serve the United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.”

A New Diplomatic Role

This marks the first time a Special Envoy has been appointed specifically to Britain, though the specifics of the role remain unclear. Trump shed some light on Burnett’s responsibilities, noting that he would focus on enhancing U.S.-UK diplomatic ties, particularly in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.

A History of Division

Burnett’s appointment comes years after he and his wife, actress Roma Downey, publicly criticized Trump during the 2016 election, distancing themselves from his campaign rhetoric.

Trump’s selection of Burnett follows other high-profile diplomatic appointments, including businessman Warren Stephens as the U.S. Ambassador to the UK and billionaire reality TV star Tilman Fertitta as Ambassador to Italy.

The move comes amid the UK’s selection of Lord Peter Mandelson as its ambassador to Washington. However, Mandelson’s past criticism of Trump—calling him “little short of a white nationalist and racist”—may complicate efforts to strengthen US-UK relations.

As Trump continues to finalize his diplomatic picks, his unconventional choices signal a blend of showbiz flair and strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering international relations.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.