AG百家乐在线官网

Donald Trump appoints British TV producer who created The Apprentice as special envoy to UK

Mark Burnett created the show which made Donald Trump internationally famous, namely The Apprentice. The president-elect has now appointed him special envoy to the UK, saying he had a "distinguished career in television production and business".

President-elect Donald Trump, right, with television producer Mark Burnett. File pic: AP
Image: President-elect Donald Trump, right, with television producer Mark Burnett. File pic: AP
Why you can trust Sky News

US president-elect Donald Trump says he has appointed British TV producer Mark Burnett as his special envoy to the UK.

Mr Burnett, 64, created and worked alongside Mr Trump on the US series, The Apprentice, which made the president-elect internationally famous for firing a succession of contestants vying for roles in his businesses.

The London-born producer has also worked on popular reality shows such as Shark Tank, The Voice, and Survivor.

In a statement, Mr Trump said: "It is my great honour to appoint Mark Burnett as the special envoy to the United Kingdom.

"With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

During Mr Trump's first term as president in 2016 he faced allegations about his conduct on The Apprentice.

The 78-year-old president-elect went on to praise Mr Burnett for "creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History," highlighting Mr Burnett's 13 Emmy Awards.

Mr Burnett's spokesperson said in a statement he was "truly honoured to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Who's in Trump's White House?

Read more:
Trump aide's Mandelson jibe was clearly designed to stir things up

Trump hands out top jobs - here's who is in and who is out

Mr Burnett will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges, according to the statement.

It comes after Mr Trump, who will take office following his inauguration on 20 January, nominated businessman Warren Stephens to serve as America's ambassador to the UK.

Earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer named Labour grandee Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US.

Lord Mandelson. Pic: PA
Image: Lord Mandelson. Pic: PA

But the appointment didn't seem to please Chris LaCivita, co-manager for Mr Trump's presidential election campaign, who called Lord Mandelson an "absolute moron".

In a post on X, Mr LaCivita said: "This UK govt is special replace a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron - he should stay home! SAD!"

Get Sky News on WhatsApp
Get Sky News on WhatsApp

Follow our channel and never miss an update

Mr Burnett is not the first of Mr Trump's new administration appointees to have a background in TV.

The president-elect made former Fox News commentator and National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth his defence secretary and named celebrity doctor and former TV host, Mehmet Oz, as his administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.