Donald Trump announced on Saturday the appointment as envoy to the United Kingdom of Mark Burnett, the creator and producer of the reality TV show “The Apprentice”. This program made the billionaire very famous before his meteoric entry into politics in 2015.
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“Mark is renowned for having created and produced some of the greatest shows in television history,” the president-elect wrote in a statement, citing in particular “The Voice and more particularly, 'The Apprentice'”.
“Mark will bring a unique blend of diplomatic expertise and international recognition to this important role,” said the Republican. This appointment comes almost three weeks after that of the new United States ambassador in London – key ally of Washington – Warren Stephens, financial support of Donald Trump.
Unlike the position of ambassador, the role of envoy will not require a Senate confirmation vote. “Mark will work to improve diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges,” assured the former 45th and future 47th US president.
«You’re fired»
Born in London, director of the television subsidiary of the MGM studio from 2018 to 2022, Mark Burnett achieved his greatest successes with the reality TV show “The Apprentice”, broadcast on NBC from 2004 and for 15 seasons.
Presented until 2015 by Donald Trump, then a New York real estate developer, this game show allowed the future Republican president to invite himself into American homes. In a large meeting room at Trump Tower, he received the candidates and dismissed one by broadcast, using his now ritualistic phrase: “You're fired!”.
“'The Apprentice' made him a myth again, and on a much larger scale, transformed him into an icon of American success,” wrote Mr. Burnett, a multiple Emmy Award winner, New Yorker magazine in 2018.
