You're Not Fired: Trump Will Remain EP of ‘Celebrity Apprentice' While President

The series debuts Jan. 2 with Arnold Schwarzenegger replacing Trump as host

Donald Trump is gone from the boardroom of NBC's reboot of "Celebrity Apprentice" but he has kept a connection to the reality show.

A spokeswoman for producer Mark Burnett said Thursday that President-elect Trump has an executive producer credit on "The New Celebrity Apprentice."

The series, which was taped last February, debuts Jan. 2 with Arnold Schwarzenegger replacing Trump as host.

Spokeswoman Clare Anne Darragh declined further comment, including on Trump's participation in the show or if he will be credited with any possible future season.

A producer's tasks can range widely, but the credit also can be given as a so-called vanity perk and for compensation without actively working on a project.

Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said Trump conceived "Celebrity Apprentice" with Burnett and "has a big stake in the show." 

Asked about "Apprentice" royalties, Hicks said: "Additional details regarding his business interests will be shared December 15."

Trump's adviser Kellyanne Conway on Friday compared Trump's involvement with the show to President Obama's frequent golfing outings.

“Okay, but were we so concerned about the hours and hours and hours spent on the golf course of the current president?” Conway said.

“I mean, presidents have a right to do things in their spare time or their leisure time, I mean nobody objects to that.”

While "Celebrity Apprentice" airs on NBC, it is produced and owned by MGM. MGM confirmed that Trump will retain his executive producer credit on the show. NBC Entertainment has declined comment on Trump's continued connection with the show, first reported by trade publication Variety.  

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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