Mark Burnett, the creator of “The Apprentice,” is set to become a special envoy to the United Kingdom under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Born in London, Burnett helped introduce Trump to a national television audience with the reality show and produced several other hits, including “Survivor” and “The Voice.”
A source close to the decision revealed that Burnett was initially considered for U.S. ambassador to the UK but was deemed unsuitable due to his dual nationality. The role ultimately went to Warren Stephens, CEO of investment bank Stephens Inc.
Trump announced Burnett’s appointment on Saturday, praising his experience in television production and business diplomacy. This selection is part of Trump’s trend of appointing individuals with high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, including Pete Hegseth as defense secretary and Mehmet Oz as a Senate candidate.
Burnett’s envoy role remains unclear, but Trump noted that Burnett has won 13 Emmy Awards and created some of the biggest shows in television history. Special envoys typically focus on hotspots like the Middle East, but this appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with the UK, one of Washington’s strongest global allies.
Trump said Burnett will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas such as trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mark-burnett-the-apprentice-creator-trump-special-envoy-to-the-u-k