Mark Burnett, the energy producer who helped reintroduce President-elect Donald Trump to a national television audience with ‘The Apprentice’ is tapped by the President-elect to the newly created post of Special Envoy to the United Kingdom in his incoming administration.
Born in London, Burnett helped produce hits like “Survivor” and “The Voice” but is perhaps best known for working with Trump on “The Apprentice”, which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump had been a household name in real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped make him a household name again — although Trump cut ties with NBC in 2015, the same year he launched his first White House run.
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A source familiar with the decision told CBS News that Burnett was originally listed for consideration as the U.S. ambassador to Britain, but he had dual citizenship, complicating the situation. That selection ultimately went to Republican donor Warren Stephens, CEO of investment bank Stephens Inc.
It is unclear what exactly Burnett’s role as envoy will consist of.
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced Saturday.
Burnett’s selection continues Trump’s trend of filling his new administration with people with high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both — including his choice to become defense secretary. Piet Hegsethformer co-host of ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’, former television doctor and failed Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmed Oz.
Trump’s first campaign in 2016 was rocked by accusations about his behavior on “The Apprentice” and other appearances while working with NBC, particularly in footage in which he said he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a ” star’. “
Nearly a decade after he left his reality TV role, Trump’s television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower to tens of millions of people as a symbol of power and success before Trump launched his first campaign from the building’s lobby.
“Mark is known for creating and producing some of the greatest shows in television history,” Trump wrote in his statement about Burnett, listing many of his biggest hits before adding, “particularly ‘The Apprentice'” and noted that Burnett “has won 13 Emmy Awards!”
Special envoys are typically chosen by presidents for the world’s traditional hotspots, including the Middle East — where Trump has already said he would like Steven Witkoff to fill the role. Britain, which has long had a “special relationship” with the US that makes it one of Washington’s strongest global allies, is not usually a candidate for such posts.
But Trump has announced a series of special envoy positions ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 for several top loyalists, including his former ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, whom he chose as envoy for special missions. That announcement joined previous announcements, including Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, and Keith Kellogg as special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.
The president-elect said Burnett “will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.”
