Mark Burnett, power producer who helped reintroduce President-elect Donald Trump to a national television audience with “The Apprentice.” being tapped For the newly created post of Special Envoy to the United Kingdom by the President-elect in his upcoming administration.
Burnett, who was born in London, helped produce hits like “Survivor” and “The Voice,” but he is perhaps best known for his work with Trump. “Learner,” Which first aired on NBC in 2004.
Trump was famous in the real estate and pop culture circles for decades. But the show helped make him a household name again — though Trump parted ways 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 on the list for consideration as U.S. ambassador to Britain, but as a dual citizen, which complicated the situation. That selection ultimately went to Republican donor Warren Stephens, CEO of investment bank Stephens Inc.
It is unclear what Burnett's messenger role will be.
“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic skills and international recognition to this important role,” Trump announced Saturday.
Burnett's selection continues Trump's trend of filling his incoming administration with people who have high-profile backgrounds in television or politics, or both – including his choice to become Secretary of Defense, pete hegsethFormer co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend” and ex-television doctor and unsuccessful Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, Mehmet Oz,
Trump's first campaign in 2016 was rocked by allegations about his conduct on “The Apprentice” and other appearances during his association with NBC, particularly footage in which he said he could sexually harass women and that Can survive because he is a “star”. ,
Nearly a decade after leaving his reality TV role, Trump's television career remains central to his biography and political rise. The show presented Trump Tower as a symbol of power and success to millions of people before Trump made his first campaign launch 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 on Burnett, listing several of his biggest hits before adding, “Most notably, ' The Apprentice'” and noted that Burnett “won 13 Emmy Awards!”
Special envoys are typically chosen by the president for the world's traditional hotspots, including the Middle East — where Trump has already said he wants Steven Witkoff to take on the role. The United Kingdom, which has long enjoyed a “special relationship” with the US that makes it one of Washington's strongest global allies, is not usually a candidate for such positions.
But Trump has announced a series of special envoy positions for several top loyalists ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, including Richard Grenell, his former ambassador to Germany, whom he chose as his envoy for special missions. . That announcement included Adam Boehler as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Matters and Keith Kellogg as Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
The president-elect said Burnett would “work to enhance diplomatic relations by focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.”