Mark Burnett, known for his creation of popular shows such as Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Voice, does not possess experience in diplomacy or foreign policy.
In a notable move, Donald Trump has appointed Mark Burnett, a British television producer known for his role in producing Trump’s reality show The Apprentice, to serve as the United States’ special envoy to the United Kingdom.
On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to commend 64-year-old Burnett, stating: “With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.”
Trump referenced several television programs created and produced by Burnett, including Survivor, Shark Tank, The Voice, and most prominently, The Apprentice, which aired from 2004 to 2017 with Trump serving as its host.
Burnett, who previously served as the chair of MGM Worldwide Television Group, has garnered a total of 13 Emmy Awards.
Trump announced, “Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges,” before adding, “Congratulations Mark!”
Burnett has been appointed to a position that does not require Senate confirmation. This decision comes on the heels of Trump selecting Republican mega-donor and investment banker Warren Stephens to serve as the US ambassador to the UK.
Trump’s additional selections feature individuals who do not possess diplomatic and foreign policy experience. Recently, the former NFL player Herschel Walker was appointed as ambassador to the Bahamas, alongside Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, who was named ambassador to France.
In the wake of Walker’s unsuccessful Senate nomination campaign two years ago, he prominently promoted his anti-abortion stance. However, reports surfaced alleging that he pressured several women, with whom he had intimate relationships, to seek abortions. In a notable development, Kushner, the father of Jared who is wed to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, entered a guilty plea in 2005 to 18 charges, including illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and wire tampering. In 2020, Trump issued a pardon for Kushner.
Former President Trump has appointed Kimberly Guilfoyle, who previously dated his son Donald Trump Jr., to serve as ambassador to Greece.
On Saturday, David Fink received the appointment as administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “David will bring his 45+ years of transportation leadership and success, which will deliver the FRA into a new era of safety and technological innovation.”
In a recent announcement, Trump has appointed billionaire Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets NBA team, as his administration’s ambassador to Italy.
Fertitta serves as the chair and owner of Landry’s, a company that manages a significant array of restaurants, hotels, and casinos across the United States.
In a recent social media post, Trump praised the 67-year-old Texas native, describing him as a “accomplished businessman” and philanthropist.
