Donald Trump has said he won’t take a salary as president, but there’s another source of income the billionaire president-elect will keep: The paychecks from NBC’s reality show “Celebrity Apprentice.”
Trump’s spokeswoman confirmed this week that the president-elect will retain his executive producer title and continue taking a “big stake” in the reality show, which he co-produced with super-producer Mark Burnett (“Survivor,” “The Voice”).
How big? According to industry experts consulted by TheWrap, Trump is likely to make “mid-to-high five figures” per episode for his role as a passive executive producer, which typically involves limited to no work, at least on-set or in post-production. His total pay could wind up topping $1 million for the upcoming season of the new “Celebrity Apprentice” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which premieres Jan. 2. (NBC declined to comment.)
That’s a big improvement over the $400,000 salary earned by the President of the United States.
Trump probably made well in excess of $1 million annually just for the talent side of his deal, as “Apprentice” host, according to a reality TV agent who spoke on condition of anonymity. But he lost that lucrative arrangement when NBC parted ways with him in 2015, as Trump kicked off his White House bid. The executive producer title and fees, however, remained part of Trump’s contract with Burnett and the network — and those aren’t going away.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Schwarzenegger — himself an actor who turned to politics — depicted the arrangement as nothing new or unusual.
“I knew that from the beginning that he’s an executive producer on the show,” he said. “It’s no different than when I was running for governor [of California], my credit on ‘Terminator’ still said ‘Schwarzenegger, and everything stayed the same. And I continued getting the royalties and all that stuff.”
Trump’s deal, hammered out years ago, likely means that the “Apprentice” gravy train will keep rolling for years.
As executive producer, he is entitled to payments on “derivatives” of the show, which means money from international versions of the show, rebroadcasts and licensing for games, apps and the like. While “Apprentice” isn’t nearly the merchandising powerhouse it was 10 or 12 years ago, it could still spit out some serious cash.
37 Hollywood Stars for Donald Trump in 2020 (Photos)
With time running out for the President to gain Joe Biden in the polls, here are 34 of Trump's celebrity fans rooting for the President to win a second term.
"I think Trump, no matter what anybody thinks of him, is doing a good job at trying to get these states — and all of the American people — what they need," Dennis Quaid told the Daily Beast in April 2020.
Comedian Roseanne Barr tweeted a picture of herself wearing a "Trump 2020" baseball cap with the caption, "2020 vision."
Former "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Kristy Swanson in March tweeted, "An honor to meet you Mr. President."
Former NFL great Hershel Walker spoke at the RNC in August and tweeted, "TRUMP PENCE 2020"
"Thank you for being the best President ever," tweeted Diamond and Silk.
Mariano Rivera, the Former Yankee pitcher who was awarded the Medal of Freedom from the President in 2019 said, "He's doing the best for the United States."
"Phenomenal President. Quite possibly the USA," tweeted UFC fighter Conor McGregor back in January. "Most certainly one of them anyway, as he sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him."
"We're on the very front end of this right now, and I feel comfortable and confident that because of strong leadership," said Elisabeth Hasselbeck on "The View" in March supporting the President's coronavirus response.
Former "Entertainment Tonight" anchor Mary Hart hosted the President's controversial July 4th celebration at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota back in July.
"He is literally going to go down in history as one of our greatest Presidents," said "Pawn Stars" Rick Harrison at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.
NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie sported a "Trump 2020" on his car at NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, back in July.
UFC fighter Colby Covington recently supported the President on his Instagram saying, "Had a tremendous time yesterday with @erictrump & @carlos_e_gavidia at the MAGA Boat Parade in Miami!"
“All I gotta say is Trump 2020, bitch. Fuck I look like paying an extra 33 in taxes for Biden," rapper Lil Pump said on his Instagram story in October 2020.
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Golf legend Jack Nicklaus in a statement on his Twitter "strongly recommend(s) you consider Donald J. Trump for another four years. I certainly have and have already cast my vote for him!"
Lil Wayne shocked fans on Oct. 29 when he tweeted a photo of himself with President Trump. He captioned the pic by saying that "besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership."
NFL Legend Brett Favre tweeted, "In this election, we have freedom of choice, which all should respect. For me & these principles, my Vote is for @RealDonaldTrump."
With the election underway, here are the stars who will be voting for President Donald Trump’s second term in 2020
With time running out for the President to gain Joe Biden in the polls, here are 34 of Trump's celebrity fans rooting for the President to win a second term.