Companion from show business
Trump makes TV producers special envoys
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The TV show “The Apprentice” fuels Donald Trump's image as a successful businessman. Producer Mark Burnett is behind the show. He is now supposed to be in Great Britain as a special envoy for the Republican.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed the creator and producer of the TV show “The Apprentice”, Mark Burnett, as special envoy to Great Britain. “Mark is known for creating and producing some of the greatest shows in television history,” Trump said on the online service he founded, Truth Social. He particularly mentioned the reality show “The Apprentice,” which Trump himself hosted before he began his political career and which contributed to his image as a successful businessman.
Burnett brings “a unique mix of diplomatic expertise and international recognition to this important role,” said the Republican. Trump said he would “work to improve diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.”
London-born Emmy Award winner Burnett led MGM's television subsidiary from 2018 to 2022. He is also behind the popular shows “Survivor” and “The Voice.” His greatest success, however, was “The Apprentice,” which aired on NBC from 2004 and helped its host Trump become famous.
The announcement came around three weeks after investment banker Warren Stephens was nominated as US ambassador to Britain. Unlike the position of US ambassador, the nomination for the position of ambassador does not have to be confirmed by the Senate.
However, it is unclear how Burnett's new role will differ from Stephens'. Special envoys are usually appointed for regions or subject areas that are characterized by conflicts or political tensions – such as in Ukraine or the Middle East. The USA and Great Britain, on the other hand, are considered close allies with a traditionally stable partnership.
