Trump chooses apprentice producer as special envoy to UK

Donald Trump has appointed the producer of The Apprentice as his special envoy to the United Kingdom. The president-elect said Mark Burnett would bring “a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition” to the role.

British producer Burnett helped build Mr Trump’s profile, but distanced himself from the tycoon during the 2016 presidential election. Announcing the envoy role, Mr Trump said: “It’s a great honor for me to appoint Mark Burnett as 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.

“Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in television history, including Survivor, Shark Tank, The Voice and, most notably, The Apprentice. He is the former chairman of MGM and has won 13 Emmy Awards.

“Mark will work to strengthen diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges.” In October 2016, Mr. Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, distanced themselves from Mr. Trump, criticizing “the hatred, division and misogyny that have been a very unfortunate aspect of his campaign.” Mr Trump has already nominated businessman Warren Stephens as US ambassador to the UK.

On Friday, Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that Lord Peter Mandelson had been chosen as the UK’s ambassador to Washington. The former European Union minister and trade czar said “it is a great honor to serve the country in this way.” However, the Labor chief minister’s past remarks about Mr Trump – who he once described as “a little short of being a white nationalist and a racist” – could further damage attempts to foster close relations between the United States and the United Kingdom. Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Mr Trump’s 2024 election campaign, called Lord Mandelson an “absolute moron”.