President-elect Trump will hold onto his title as executive producer of NBC reality TV show “Celebrity Apprentice” as it debuts next month, weeks before he is sworn into office.
MGM and NBC will credit creator Mark Burnett, then Trump, and on to the new host, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., according to a report by Variety on Thursday evening. Schwarzenegger is also an executive producer, along with Page Feldman and Eric Van Wagenen.
Trump’s press secretary Hope Hicks also confirmed Trump’s continuing role in the show, telling a reporter Trump has a “big stake in the show and conceived of it with Mark Burnett.”
Hope Hicks: ‘Mr. Trump has a big stake in the show and conceived of it with Mark Burnett.’ 1/2
— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) December 8, 2016
MGM will compensate Trump directly for his role, and Variety said he would receive something in the “low five-figures” for each episode. NBC has asked for eight episodes to kick off the show’s 15th season, debuting Jan. 2, 2017.
Hicks said more information about Trump’s business interests will be shared with the public on Dec. 15.
Burnett was spotted in New York this week on his way to a meeting with Trump.
Asked about Apprentice royalties, Hope Hicks says ‘Additional details regarding his business interests will be shared December 15th’ 2/2
— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) December 8, 2016
