Trump’s ‘Apprentice’ Factory Is Pumping Out Politicians Worldwide
- Some two dozen versions of the show have appeared worldwide
- Many former hosts went on to become political leaders
Donald Trump
Photographer: Andrew H. Walker/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
When Donald Trump became a reality-television star more than a decade ago with his signature snarl “You’re fired!” few of those at the upper reaches of American life took the broadcast seriously. It seemed like one more step toward the braiding of money, fame and vulgarity, not the start of a presidential career.
They were wrong, of course. “The Apprentice” not only laid the groundwork for Trump as an admired public figure but launched a global brand that’s made him millions and morphed into a virtual kingmaker in lands far and wide. Apprentice spinoffs in more than two dozen countries have spawned a surprising group of Trump-like television stars turned politicians.