Trump Picks Reality Producer Mark Burnett as Envoy to the UK
Burnett created Donald Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice.”
Getty Images
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for special envoy to the United Kingdom is a former reality television colleague.
“It is my great honor to appoint Mark Burnett as the Special Envoy to the United Kingdom,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post announcement Saturday. “With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.”
Burnett, a famed reality TV producer, worked with Trump back in the 2000s when he created the NBC reality show The Apprentice, in which Trump would hire and fire young hopefuls vying to work for him.
The show ran for 15 seasons and garnered nine Emmy nominations before ending in 2017. The final season was hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In his announcement, Trump lauded Burnett for his lengthy résumé, which, outside of his work with the Trumps, includes executive producing Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Voice.
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“Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges,” Trump added.
Burnett, 64, was born in London and is married to actress Roma Downey, who is best known for her show Touched by an Angel.
Ironically, Burnett hasn’t always spoken kindly of Trump. “I am not now and have never been a supporter of Donald Trump’s candidacy. I am NOT ‘Pro-Trump,’” Burnett said in a 2016 statement published by The Wrap. “Further, my wife and I reject the hatred, division and misogyny that has [sic] been a very unfortunate part of his campaign.”
As an envoy, Burnett will continue to foster the country’s relationship with the U.K.
Burnett aside, earlier this month, Trump announced that he had chosen billionaire Warren Stephens as his ambassador to the U.K. On Truth Social, he called Stephens “one of the most successful businessmen in the country.”
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