Amazon is exploring a reboot of “The Apprentice” with Donald Trump Jr. as host, raising questions about whether Big Tech is leveraging the Trump brand while the President serves his second term.
Story Snapshot
- Amazon holds internal discussions about reviving “The Apprentice” with Don Jr. as potential host, though no formal offers have been made
- The streaming giant acquired production rights through its 2020 MGM purchase, shifting the franchise from NBC to Amazon Prime
- President Trump offered cautious approval, calling his son “a good guy” with “a little charisma going”
- Sources close to Don Jr. say the Wall Street Journal report was the first he heard of the hosting possibility
Amazon Eyes Trump Family Entertainment Legacy
Amazon confirmed it is conducting preliminary internal discussions about reviving “The Apprentice,” the reality competition series that ran for 15 seasons on NBC from 2004 to 2015. The streaming platform acquired production rights through its 2020 purchase of MGM, which holds a majority stake in Mark Burnett’s production company that created the original show. Amazon emphasized that any reporting on specific hosts or show details remains “purely speculative,” but sources indicate Donald Trump Jr. is under consideration to fill his father’s iconic role.
Presidential Blessing With Reservations
President Trump addressed the potential reboot during an April 30 Oval Office appearance, offering measured support for his son taking the helm. “We had a great success. Fourteen seasons, and The Apprentice was a tremendous success,” Trump stated. He described Don Jr. as “a good guy” who would “probably be good” in the hosting role, adding that “he’s got a little charisma going.” The cautious endorsement came as sources close to Don Jr. confirmed the Trump Organization Executive Vice President learned of the possibility through media reports rather than direct contact from Amazon.
Platform Shift Reflects Streaming Dominance
The potential reboot represents a significant departure from the franchise’s traditional broadcast home. Rather than returning to NBC, “The Apprentice” would stream exclusively on Amazon Prime, reflecting broader industry trends where legacy television properties migrate to digital platforms. This shift positions Amazon to compete directly with traditional networks for reality competition content, leveraging established intellectual property to attract subscribers. The move also highlights how streaming services increasingly control entertainment franchises that once defined network television’s primetime landscape.
Succession Questions and Political Timing
Don Jr. would transition from his previous role as boardroom “advisor” alongside siblings Ivanka and Eric Trump to the host position his father made famous. The timing during President Trump’s second term creates unique circumstances that blur lines between political office and entertainment ventures. While no formal ethical concerns have been publicly raised, the arrangement invites scrutiny about potential conflicts of interest. Some observers question whether Amazon’s exploration represents genuine interest in the Trump family’s entertainment credentials or an attempt to curry favor with the administration, though the company maintains this is purely a business decision based on the franchise’s proven track record.
What Remains Unclear
Amazon has not disclosed critical details about the potential reboot, including production timelines, format changes, episode counts, or budget allocations. The company has not formally approached Trump Sr., Trump Jr., or other family members with concrete proposals. Whether Amazon is considering alternative hosts alongside Don Jr. remains unknown. The project’s preliminary status means it could advance to full production, undergo significant modifications, or be abandoned entirely based on internal deliberations. For Americans watching the intersection of entertainment, big business, and political power, this story exemplifies how corporate giants navigate relationships with influential families while the public waits to see if decisions serve viewers or other interests.
Sources:
Fox News – Donald Trump Jr. considered for ‘Apprentice’ reboot hosting gig
TV Insider – Donald Trump on ‘The Apprentice’ Reboot with Don Jr. as Host
The Washington Times – Amazon looking at potential reboot of ‘The Apprentice’ with Jr. as host



