Trump Leaves Door Open for “The Apprentice” Reboot With Donald Trump Jr.; Amazon Prime Video Said to Be in Talks
At a White House briefing on April 30, 2026, President Trump left open the possibility that Donald Trump Jr. could host a reboot of The Apprentice, as reports say Amazon Prime Video is in early talks after acquiring MGM.
- President Trump praised the show’s 14-season run and said his son “has a little charisma” — captured in video of the Oval Office exchange.
- Amazon Prime Video is reported to be in exploratory talks after its parent acquired MGM, which holds the original series rights.
- Donald Trump Jr. has business and public-facing experience but no prior reality-competition hosting credits.
- Local impacts — communities such as Huntington Beach could see economic, political and social effects if production or events occur locally.
Trump’s remarks in context
During a rapid-fire Oval Office exchange on April 30, President Trump neither confirmed nor denied plans for a reboot. He told reporters,
“Well, I’ve been hearing it… Look, we had a great success. Fourteen seasons, and The Apprentice was a tremendous success. So, I’ve been hearing that a little bit. So, we’ll see what happens. 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. So, we’ll see what happens.”
The exchange was posted by several outlets and user uploads.
Video of the remarks is available via coverage such as video of Trump’s Oval Office remarks and an alternate upload, along with network clips such as Fox News video and a short clip.
Why the reboot talk matters
“The Apprentice” was a defining reality TV franchise that premiered in 2004 and ran for 14 seasons, including celebrity editions, with Donald Trump as host. The format’s brand recognition makes it attractive to streamers seeking established franchises with built-in audiences.
Industry interest centers on whether a streaming reboot could revive appetite for business-competition programming and whether the Trump family name would drive attention, subscriptions or controversy. The Wall Street Journal and trade outlets have been cited in reporting about early-stage negotiations.
Amazon Prime Video and MGM talks
Reports indicate that industry summaries and news coverage link exploratory talks to Amazon’s parent company acquiring MGM, the studio that controls the original series rights. No formal deal or production plan has been announced; sources describe conversations as exploratory.
Donald Trump Jr.: qualifications and public role
Donald Trump Jr., 48, has not previously served as a televised reality-competition host. His resume includes a long tenure as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, involvement in presidential campaigns, public speaking, books and frequent media appearances. Supporters point to his business background and media skills; critics note the absence of traditional hosting experience.
Historical context: succession and past attempts
When Donald Trump stepped away from the series to run for president, internal conversations reportedly considered family succession — including Ivanka Trump, Donald Jr. and Eric in advisory roles. Producers later tapped Arnold Schwarzenegger for a 2017 season that underperformed and was canceled soon after, demonstrating the difficulty of replacing a signature host.
Production and platform questions
Key production questions remain: will the reboot retain the original boardroom structure and job-prize premise, or will it be retooled for streaming audiences? Who will produce it, which partners or advertisers will sign on, and how will the series navigate the intersection of entertainment and current politics?
Reactions and potential political spillover
The prospect of a Trump family member hosting a major series while a Trump serves as president raises reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters welcome the commercial return of a successful brand; opponents caution about blurred lines between private entertainment and public office. Coverage so far mixes curiosity with skepticism.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Economic impact
Huntington Beach businesses could benefit if production, promotional events or star appearances bring spending on hotels, catering, location services and local hires. Even publicity and tourism tied to the franchise can provide indirect boosts to hospitality and service vendors.
Political consequences
Huntington Beach’s often-conservative electorate might see energized supporters and publicity for allied causes. Conversely, appearances could prompt protests and require coordination among city officials, law enforcement and event organizers for permitting and safety planning.
Social effects
The reboot could spark community gatherings — tapings, viewing parties, panels — and motivate civic groups to organize forums or counter-events. Local schools, business associations and civic clubs might leverage the conversation for workforce-development programming or entrepreneurship events.
Cultural relevance
The show’s business-competition focus may resonate with Huntington Beach’s independent-business and entrepreneurial community. If producers emphasize education, internships or job opportunities, local workforce and mentorship initiatives could benefit.
Practical applications for residents
Residents and businesses should monitor casting calls, local auditions, and production notices. City permitting offices and chambers of commerce may field inquiries from production teams; hospitality and service vendors should prepare to respond to short-notice requests.
Links to video and reporting
- Fox News story on Trump comments
- Video of Trump’s Oval Office remarks
- Alternate video upload of briefing
- Fox News video clip
- Short clip of remarks
- Background reporting on internal pitches and succession
Reporting note
At the time of publication, no official deal has been announced. President Trump’s remarks left the possibility open, and industry reporting suggests early-stage discussions between Amazon Prime Video and MGM catalog holders. The story will be updated as formal agreements or production details emerge.
