LONDON — It’s a rare occasion when a guest at Downing Street receives a call from the U.S. president, and even more so when they pass the phone to the prime minister for an unscripted dialogue.
On one evening in February, Keir Starmer received a surprise call from Donald Trump, with typical diplomatic protocols set aside and the wine yet to be finished.
Every interaction with the U.S. president was handled with extreme caution. Starmer had not yet met Trump since he regained the White House, and the stakes for Ukraine and Europe were high. Britain’s close relationship with the United States was also at risk.
The individual who facilitated this surprising call was Mark Burnett, a British-born Hollywood producer. His decision to cast Trump in “The Apprentice” transformed the former businessman into a recognizable television personality, shifting public perception from a bankrupt tabloid figure to a credible candidate for leadership.
Trump has since rewarded Burnett, now 64, by appointing him as a special envoy to the U.K. This position places one of Trump’s most trusted associates in London at a crucial time when the U.K. is pursuing a significant trade and technology deal to mitigate U.S. tariffs that threaten to undermine Starmer’s economic plans.
In return, London gains access to a man described by several British officials as a “high-powered fixer” who has a unique understanding of the U.K. and serves as a “vital bridge” to enhance communication between the two administrations during a tumultuous period.
“He speaks to the president frequently — they’re personal friends,” noted a U.S. government official, who requested anonymity to discuss Burnett’s role. “Trump used to work for him for 15 years,” the official added with a chuckle.
The dynamic between Burnett and Trump exemplifies an entertaining bravado typical of the entertainment industry, with Burnett having made Trump a multi-millionaire through their collaboration on “The Apprentice.”
However, Burnett’s relationship with Trump has not always been straightforward, particularly within the liberal television sector that largely opposes Trump. He faced backlash over rumors of tapes containing offensive remarks made by Trump and distanced himself from the candidate during the 2016 election after the notorious “Access Hollywood” tape was leaked.
“I am NOT ‘Pro-Trump,’” Burnett stated in 2016. “My wife and I reject the hatred, division, and misogyny that have been unfortunate aspects of his campaign.”
The art of managing talent — addressing their needs while ensuring their comfort — is regarded as one of Burnett’s skills, according to his collaborators, while he is also known for his storytelling prowess.
Burnett’s journey began in the “gray and grimy” Dagenham area of East London. At 17, he enlisted in the British Army and served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands, including participation in the 1982 advance on Port Stanley.
After five years, Burnett intended to become a “weapons and tactics adviser” in Central America but instead became an immigrant in California after a spontaneous decision during a layover in Los Angeles. His first job was as a nanny in Beverly Hills, and he even sold T-shirts on the Venice Beach boardwalk.
Fast forward to today: Burnett boasts a cabinet full of awards for shows like “Survivor,” “The Voice,” and “Shark Tank,” a sprawling Malibu home, and a direct line to the U.S. president.
He also has access to a private jet, a symbol of his success in achieving the American dream while remaining connected to his humble beginnings in East London.
His roots were evident during the Downing Street dinner with Starmer and his close adviser, Morgan McSweeney, on February 13. A readout from No. 10 highlighted Burnett’s reflection on his mother’s past role as a waitress at Downing Street over thirty years ago.
Decades later, he found himself handing the phone to a surprised Starmer to discuss his forthcoming visit to the White House.
“It’s been emotional for Mark to be in No. 10, where his mother once worked, while representing the president of the United States,” remarked a Downing Street official. “It’s a significant connection with Keir, showcasing that aspirational narrative.”
Understanding His Role
While mythmaking is not Starmer’s forte, he acknowledges some parallels in their backgrounds. The PM highlights his working-class origins in Oxted, Surrey, not far from Burnett’s childhood neighborhood. “Keir recognizes a success story from humble beginnings,” the official added.
Starmer has evidently benefited from Burnett’s insights on how to navigate the complexities of Trump’s administration. According to reports, he received valuable advice during their meeting, and the visit to the Oval Office was perceived positively in Britain.
“Having Mark in place has expedited the usual introduction phase for a new administration. The president has a clear respect for Mark, and in an environment where decisions are often made in the Oval Office, this direct connection is advantageous,” stated a British official.
“Mark understands his role well. He is not a policymaker but serves as an essential bridge for policymakers, ensuring effective dialogue and facilitating progress,” one official noted.
Burnett was present in the Oval Office on February 27 as Starmer extended an invitation from King Charles III for an unprecedented second state visit.
Although this may seem like a flattering gesture to Trump’s ego, it also demonstrates a strategic use of the royal family, whom the president respects, to enhance Starmer’s standing as a transatlantic influencer.
During Burnett’s two trips to London as special envoy, he has met with key figures, including a private meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and discussions with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to negotiate a trade and tech deal aimed at bypassing tariffs.
“He provides valuable advice, identifies opportunities for collaboration, and has the president’s ear — for us, it’s clearly a significant advantage,” remarked another U.K. government official.
“Burnett is dynamic, energetic, and British by birth, giving him insights into the U.K. that others might not possess. He’s a powerful figure in both social and professional circles with the president, able to raise issues and follow up on agreements.”
However, for intricate details and negotiations regarding tariffs in trade and technology discussions, “he’s not the right person,” the official explained. Instead, Burnett excels in promoting broader objectives.
“People often note that when politics is set aside, President Trump has a close circle of old friends who he trusts,” they added. “Unlike many who approach the president with political agendas, Mark Burnett is different.”
Navigating Competing Roles
Burnett, like Steve Witkoff for the Middle East and Keith Kellogg for Ukraine, is a member of Trump’s inner circle, acting as his delegate on the global stage.
“Consider them as personal representatives,” suggested Theo Zenou, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, highlighting Trump’s heightened skepticism towards traditional diplomats during his second presidency.
“This arrangement is likely because Trump trusts Burnett more than typical diplomats,” noted observers.
However, unlike Witkoff and Kellogg, Burnett’s role involves working with one of America’s closest allies. Additionally, he will soon be sharing responsibilities with Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker nominated by Trump as the new ambassador to London.
Lewis Lukens, a former U.S. diplomat in London, expressed concerns about this duality, warning that it could lead to confusion over their respective roles.
“Trump’s welcoming statement to Burnett to enhance diplomatic relations and increase trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges mirrors the ambassador’s responsibilities,” Lukens remarked.
“What happens to Warren Stephens’s role if Mark Burnett is already handling those aspects?” he questioned. “Once Stephens is confirmed, they will likely need to clarify their respective duties.”
Even the cited U.S. official acknowledged that “friction” is expected once Stephens takes office. Burnett has been appointed for an initial term of 180 days, with indications that his term may be extended.
Burnett, who was unavailable for an interview for this piece, expressed in a statement his gratitude for the president’s trust and looked forward to collaborating with Stephens on behalf of Trump.
Although he did not address questions regarding potential conflicts of interest related to his White House role, industry insiders believe Burnett’s connections within the British creative sectors could yield favorable outcomes for U.K. businesses in future negotiations.
“With his background in British film and television, he is well-positioned to advocate for the U.K. creative industries in any trade agreements with the U.S.,” one industry figure suggested. “He can explain the significance of U.S. investments in U.K. productions.”
Moreover, it’s worth noting that special envoys avoid the scrutiny typically faced by ambassadors.
By circumventing standard protocols, Burnett may be able to achieve results, much like the spontaneous phone call at Downing Street.
“Trump enjoys breaking norms and protocols, which aligns with Burnett’s ability to communicate directly with him,” Lukens concluded. “Few can make such calls.”
