Trump Weighs In on Rumored “Apprentice” Reboot With Don Jr. as Host, Says Son Has “Charisma”
Former President Donald Trump commented on rumors of an “Apprentice” reboot with Donald Trump Jr. as host, praising his son’s “charisma” and noting the show’s past success — remarks that renewed speculation about a potential Amazon Prime Video revival.
- Oval Office remark: Trump addressed the reboot rumors during an April 30 session, calling the original series a “tremendous success” across 14 seasons and saying he had “been hearing it” (Fox News report).
- On Don Jr.: Trump praised his son as “a good guy” with “a little charisma,” comments captured in multiple online video clips (video clip, additional clip, short clip).
- Industry buzz: Early internal conversations at streaming platforms — referenced in reporting — have been noted but no official deal or casting announcement has been made (reporting on internal talks).
- Speculative status: Until a studio or streaming service issues a formal announcement, the reboot remains unconfirmed and speculative.
Trump’s Apprentice remarks and the Oval Office exchange
At a short question-and-answer session in the Oval Office, Trump spoke noncommittally about the possibility of his son hosting a revived The Apprentice. He said, “Well, I’ve been hearing it,” and described the original show as “a tremendous success” over 14 seasons. He added about Don Jr.: “He’s a good guy. He’d be probably good. He’s got a little charisma going. You need a little charisma for that sucker.” (Fox News report).
Video snippets of the exchange circulated on social platforms and show Trump smiling while responding to reporters. Those clips have been posted publicly and are available for review (YouTube clip, second clip, short).
How The Apprentice ran before and what happened after
The Apprentice launched in 2004 with Donald Trump as host and ran in multiple formats, including celebrity editions, across 14 seasons. The show followed contestants on business-related challenges competing for a high-level job. Trump hosted through 2015 and the program aired its last episode in 2017, with subsequent specials keeping the brand visible (Fox News report).
Producers previously sought replacements: Arnold Schwarzenegger hosted a 2017 season that failed to match earlier ratings and was not renewed. Past discussions also floated other family members as potential successors. Reporting on internal pitches indicates the family has continued to explore how the brand could return (internal-pitch reporting).
Don Jr.’s background and why he’s in the conversation
Donald Trump Jr., 48, does not have an extensive reality-TV hosting background but has held executive roles at the Trump Organization, including executive vice president responsibilities for real estate development and acquisitions. He has been a visible public surrogate in political campaigns, authored books, and remains active in media and public speaking (Fox News report).
Don Jr. made on-air appearances on the original series — including family boardroom scenes — which contributes to his name surfacing for reboot talk. Production executives, however, typically weigh hosting experience, audience appeal and ratings potential before greenlighting a host, and Don Jr.’s limited reality-TV resume is a noted caveat (context and industry considerations).
Where a reboot could land and the buzz around Amazon
Reports have referenced early internal discussions at Amazon Prime Video. Amazon’s acquisition of MGM expanded its catalog and made legacy TV properties accessible to the platform, increasing its plausibility as a home for a revived The Apprentice. Industry coverage citing unnamed internal sources has circulated about interest at streaming companies and production teams (reporting on internal talks).
To date, no public deal or signed contract has been announced; outlets emphasize that coverage is based on early-stage discussions and speculation rather than confirmed studio commitments (Fox News).
How outlets are framing the potential reboot
Coverage ranges from straightforward reporting of Trump’s remarks to in-depth looks at casting, branding and marketability. Some outlets highlight the show’s historical ratings success; others emphasize family involvement and prior failed replacement attempts. Social video snippets of Trump’s comments have been widely shared and republished by news sites (video, video).
Implications for California — jobs, media production and political angles
Economic impact: A reboot on a major streaming platform could create production jobs and technical work in California, particularly around Los Angeles sound stages, post-production firms and local crews.
Entertainment dynamics: A high-profile reboot might spur additional streaming competition for celebrity-driven reality formats and deepen relationships between streaming platforms and California producers.
Political and cultural angle: For some California viewers, a Don Jr.-led revival could spark debate — supporters may point to entrepreneurship themes, while critics may view it as politically charged programming given Don Jr.’s campaign roles.
Practical effects for viewers: Californians could see new viewing options, possible tapings or events in the LA area, and local casting or crew opportunities if production commitments materialize.
Sources and how this story was reported
This article is grounded in on-the-record Oval Office remarks and reporting about industry talks. Key links and primary sources include:
- Fox News: Apprentice reboot buzz and Trump’s remarks
- YouTube video of Trump remarks (clip)
- Additional YouTube clip
- Short video clip
- Reporting on internal pitches and reboot casting context (The Daily Beast)
No official announcement from any network, studio or Donald Trump Jr. confirming a hosting role had been made public at the time of reporting. The details here reflect on-the-record comments and published industry reporting.
