Trump picks Apprentice producer Mark Burnett as UK envoy
US President-elect Donald Trump has named British TV executive Mark Burnett, producer of The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the United Kingdom.
Calling the appointment a “great honor,” Trump praised his former collaborator, emphasizing the role’s focus on strengthening diplomatic ties in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
In a statement, Burnett expressed gratitude, saying, “I am truly honored to serve the United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.”
Burnett, who created The Apprentice and numerous other reality TV programs, is a 13-time Emmy Award winner. Trump highlighted Burnett’s expertise on his social media platform, Truth Social, 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.”
Unlike the US ambassador to the UK—a position for which billionaire donor Warren Stephens has been nominated, pending Senate confirmation—Burnett’s role does not require approval.
Born and raised in Essex, Burnett, now 64, served as a paratrooper in the British Army before moving to the United States in 1982 at the age of 22.
He went on to work for MGM and became known as a significant figure in reality television.
In addition to creating and producing The Apprentice, Burnett created formats such as Survivor and Shark Tank – the US version of Dragon’s Den.
He helped propel Trump, a real estate developer, to new heights of fame as he starred in The Apprentice from 2008-15.
Burnett became president of MGM Television in December 2015, but stood aside in 2022 when Amazon acquired the studio.
He had a role in planning Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.
Burnett told the BBC in 2010 that Trump was “fearless” and “a big, strong tough guy”.
“He is a very, very down-to-earth normal guy and he’s a really, really loyal friend and, as I’ve seen him with many other people, not the kind of enemy you would want,” said Burnett.
Trump’s first run for the presidency as Republican nominee in 2016 was plunged into crisis as tapes emerged of him telling Access Hollywood presenter Billy Bush that “you can do anything” to women “when you’re a star”.
Burnett released a statement at the time denying he was a supporter of Trump.
“Further, my wife and I reject the hatred, division and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign,” he said. Burnett is married to Londonderry-born actress Roma Downey.
Another former producer of The Apprentice subsequently claimed that Trump had been heard making “far worse” remarks in recordings from the show.
But Burnett rejected calls to release all outtakes of Trump, saying he was unable to do so and citing “various contractual and legal requirements”.
