President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Mark Burnett, the British producer of The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the United Kingdom, a move aimed at bolstering diplomatic and cultural ties.
At a glance:
- Mark Burnett, who produced The Apprentice, will serve as Trump’s special envoy to the UK.
- The role, separate from the ambassadorial post, focuses on trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
- Burnett, a UK-born television executive, has a decorated career in reality TV and business.
- His appointment reflects Trump’s history of leveraging personal connections for key roles.
Trump announced Burnett’s appointment on his Truth Social platform, praising his former collaborator for his “diplomatic acumen and international recognition.” The position of special envoy does not require Senate confirmation, giving Trump free rein to select the high-profile TV executive.
Burnett, 64, expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “I am truly honored to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.”
Background and connections
Born in Essex, Burnett served in the British Army before emigrating to the U.S. in 1982. He rose to fame as a producer of iconic reality shows such as Survivor, The Voice, and Shark Tank. However, it was his work on The Apprentice, which aired from 2008 to 2015, that cemented his relationship with Trump and elevated Trump’s celebrity status.
Burnett’s career also includes a tenure as President of MGM Television, a role he stepped down from in 2022 after Amazon acquired the studio.
Burnett’s role differs from that of Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the UK, billionaire Warren Stephens, whose appointment requires Senate approval. As special envoy, Burnett will focus on strengthening UK-U.S. ties in trade and culture.
Trump highlighted Burnett’s unique qualifications, stating, “With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.”
Mixed reactions
While Trump’s choice has drawn interest, it also recalls controversy from the 2016 campaign when Access Hollywood tapes of Trump making offensive remarks surfaced. At the time, Burnett denied supporting Trump’s campaign, stating, “My wife and I reject the hatred, division, and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign.”
Burnett also resisted calls to release outtakes from The Apprentice amid allegations of more inflammatory remarks by Trump, citing legal and contractual constraints.
Burnett’s appointment is likely to spark both intrigue and debate, reflecting Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy. As the UK and U.S. navigate post-Brexit relations and trade discussions, Burnett’s role will be closely watched for its impact on the historic partnership.
