President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of British television executive Mark Burnett, best known for producing The Apprentice, as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.
This new role, distinct from the traditional position of U.S. Ambassador, highlights Trump’s reliance on familiar figures from his business and entertainment background as he prepares for his presidency. Burnett’s appointment is seen as a nod to their shared history and his expertise in building cultural bridges.
Trump expressed his enthusiasm for Burnett’s appointment, describing it as a “great honor” to collaborate once again with the man who helped shape his television persona.
According to Trump, Burnett’s role will focus on strengthening U.S.-UK diplomatic ties, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
In a statement, Trump praised Burnett’s unique qualifications, emphasizing his global recognition and business acumen as assets for fostering international relations.
Burnett, in response, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to serve the United States in this capacity:
“I am truly honored to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom,” he said.
Burnett’s track record in creating globally successful television formats and his extensive experience in navigating international partnerships position him as a strategic choice for this diplomatic role.
Raised in Essex, Burnett began his career in the British Army, serving as a paratrooper before emigrating to the United States in 1982.
Over the years, he rose to prominence in the entertainment industry, creating and producing iconic reality television shows such as Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Apprentice.
His partnership with Trump on The Apprentice from 2008 to 2015 played a significant role in elevating Trump’s public profile, showcasing his business prowess and larger-than-life personality.
Burnett’s career achievements extend beyond his collaboration with Trump. As the president of MGM Television, he oversaw the production of numerous successful programs, earning 13 Emmy Awards along the way.
His tenure at MGM ended in 2022 following Amazon’s acquisition of the studio. Burnett’s ability to navigate both creative and corporate landscapes has solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in the television industry.
Trump’s decision to appoint Burnett as Special Envoy comes alongside his nomination of billionaire donor Warren Stephens as U.S. Ambassador to the UK, a position requiring Senate confirmation.
In contrast, Burnett’s role does not necessitate legislative approval, allowing him to begin his work immediately upon Trump’s inauguration.
This streamlined process reflects Trump’s confidence in Burnett’s capabilities and his unique approach to diplomacy.
Burnett’s involvement with Trump dates back to the early days of The Apprentice, where he frequently praised Trump’s leadership qualities. In a 2010 interview with the BBC, Burnett described Trump as “fearless” and “a big, strong, tough guy.”
He also characterized Trump as a loyal friend and someone who commands respect, while cautioning against underestimating him as an adversary.
Despite their long-standing professional relationship, Burnett distanced himself from Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.
When recordings of Trump making controversial remarks about women surfaced, Burnett issued a statement denying his support for Trump and condemning the divisive rhetoric of the campaign.
Along with his wife, actress Roma Downey, Burnett expressed rejection of hatred and misogyny, drawing a clear line between their professional collaboration and personal beliefs.
Calls for Burnett to release outtakes from The Apprentice that allegedly contained offensive remarks by Trump added further controversy.
Burnett, however, cited legal and contractual restrictions that prevented him from releasing any footage. Despite these challenges, his relationship with Trump endured, culminating in this latest appointment to a high-profile diplomatic role.
Burnett’s appointment as Special Envoy to the UK underscores Trump’s unconventional approach to governance, blending entertainment and politics.
With his deep understanding of cultural dynamics and a history of creating successful partnerships, Burnett is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of U.S.-UK relations.
Whether his tenure will be defined by controversy or diplomacy remains to be seen, but his presence in this unique role reflects the evolving nature of modern leadership and international collaboration.
