Trump names 'The Apprentice' producer Mark Burnett as special envoy to UK

US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday named Mark Burnett as a special envoy to the United Kingdom. Burnett is a

television producer

known for shows like “Survivor,” “The Voice,” and “The Apprentice.”
Announcing the decision on his 'Truth Social' platform, Trump wrote:
"It is my great honor 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."
Mark is renowned for creating and producing some of television's most successful programs. He is the former Chairman of MGM and has earned 13 Emmy Awards.

"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!" Trump said.

Mark will strengthen diplomatic ties by prioritising mutual interests such as trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges, according to Trump.
"Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges."

Burnett, born in London, worked with Trump on “The Apprentice,” which first aired in 2004. The show boosted Trump’s public profile before his 2016 presidential run.
This appointment follows Trump’s pattern of selecting people with television or political backgrounds for his administration.
Trump also named casino magnate Tilman Fertitta as his pick for

US ambassador to Italy

on Saturday.
Other special envoys
Special envoy positions are typically considered for areas like the Middle East, where Trump has already chosen Steven Witkoff. The UK is a close US ally and doesn’t usually have a special envoy. Trump has, however, named several other special envoys, including Richard Grenell for Germany, Adam Boehler as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, and Keith Kellogg for Ukraine and Russia.