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.
In Brazil, a former host of the local show was recently elected mayor of Sao Paulo. In the U.K., one became the government’s enterprise czar. In Finland, one is a member of parliament, and in Georgia, one was prime minister.
“Two years on reality TV earned me some points,” said Joao Doria, a wealthy Brazilian businessman and owner of a public-relations company in Sao Paulo, who hosted the local version from 2010 to 2011 and is now mayor. “The show helped me cultivate the image of an administrator.”
Harry Harkimo fronted the Finnish version called “Diili” -- Finnish for deal -- in 2009 and 2010 before being elected to parliament in 2015. Like many hosts of the spinoffs, he embraced Trump’s style, ordering contestants off by pointing his finger and barking “Sa saat potkut!” -- Finnish for “You’re kicked out!” Harkimo, who owns the ice hockey team Jokerit, praised Trump in an article he wrote in December.
‘Awesome Guy’
“Regardless of all Trump’s stupid ideas, we should all think about where his popularity comes from,” Harkimo wrote. “I like a lot of the character of Trump. Actually, he’s an awesome guy. He dares to say what he thinks.”
The show has become one of the most successful reality-television formats of the past decade, involving more than a thousand contestants from around the world competing for a job with the host of the show. Each season usually begins with as many as 18 candidates divided into teams to complete various tasks and business challenges under tight deadlines, with the host eliminating one or more contestants every week based on their successes and failures.
Some have upped the ante to increase the drama. Alan Sugar, who has hosted the U.K. version since 2005 and is a member of the House of Lords, offers a 250,000 pound ($312,000) investment in the winner’s business idea. It fits neatly with his role as the U.K. government’s enterprise czar, where he’s been tasked with encouraging the formation of new businesses.
Revolving Door