Mark Burnett, the powerhouse producer who helped reintroduce President-elect Donald Trump to a national TV audience with “The Apprentice.” is being played by the president-elect to the newly created post of special envoy to the United Kingdom in his next administration.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like “Survivor” and “The Voice,” but is perhaps best known for teaming up with Trump for “The Apprentice”, which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been known in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped make him a household name again, even though Trump cut ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first run at the White House.
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A source familiar with the decision told CBS News that Burnett was originally shortlisted for consideration as the US ambassador to the UK, but as a dual national, that complicated the situation. That selection ultimately went to Republican donor Warren Stephens, CEO of investment bank Stephens Inc.
It’s unclear exactly what Burnett’s role as envoy will consist of.
“With a distinguished background in television production and business, Mark brings a unique combination of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced Saturday.
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 be secretary of defense. Pete Hegsethformer “Fox & Friends Weekend” co-host and former TV doctor and failed Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his behavior on “The Apprentice” and other appearances during his association with NBC, notably footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it with his because he was a “star”. “
Nearly a decade after he left his role on reality TV, 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 to Burnett, listing many of his biggest accomplishments before adding, “most notably, ‘The Apprentice.’ ” and noting that Burnett “has won 13 Emmy Awards!”
Special envoys are typically chosen by presidents for the world’s traditional hotspots, including the Middle East, where Trump has already said he would like Steven Witkoff to fill the role. The UK, which has long had a “special relationship” with the US that makes it one of Washington’s strongest global allies, is not usually a candidate for such posts.
But Trump has announced a series of special envoy positions to several top loyalists ahead of Inauguration Day on January 20, including his former ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, whom he tapped as his envoy for special missions. This announcement joined previous ones, including Adam Boehler as the president’s special envoy for hostage matters, and Keith Kellogg as the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
The president-elect said Burnett “will work to improve diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.”