Amazon is reportedly exploring a reboot of the reality competition series “The Apprentice,” which helped propel President Donald Trump to national fame before his political career. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company is considering Donald Trump Jr., a former participant on the show, as the new host. However, Amazon has yet to approach the Trump family with the proposal, and discussions remain in early stages.
It is unclear whether Donald Trump Jr. is aware of the idea. Amazon told The Hollywood Reporter that it has only engaged in “preliminary internal discussions” about the franchise, emphasizing that nothing is in active development. “Any reporting on details of the show or names of potential hosts would be purely speculative,” the company stated.
Critics were quick to highlight the timing of the report, noting that Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos have become increasingly aligned with the Trump administration since the president returned to the White House. Observers suggest that such a move could be another way to maintain favorable relations and secure financial benefits for the Trump family.
Amazon has already sponsored several Trump-related events, including his inauguration, which Bezos attended, and a proposed White House ballroom. The company also began streaming the original “The Apprentice” series last year, with promotion from the president. Additionally, Amazon paid an estimated $75 million for the production, distribution, and promotion of “Melania,” a documentary about first lady Melania Trump, which debuted to poor reviews and grossed only about $16 million. Critics dismissed the film as an attempt to curry favor with the president, with longtime Trump critic Jimmy Kimmel calling it a “brazen corporate bribe.”
Social media reactions to the potential “Apprentice” reboot have been largely negative. Many users expressed frustration, accusing Amazon of engaging in corruption and bribery. One user wrote, “Another way for Bezos to funnel money to the Trumps in return for some favor. Corruption at its finest.” Another commented, “Bezos keeps throwing money at the Trumps like they're strippers.” Others questioned the ethics of the deal, noting that Amazon receives billions in government contracts while the president has fired ethics watchdogs.
The criticism reflects broader concerns about the intersection of business and politics, with many viewing Amazon’s actions as an attempt to influence the administration. As one user put it, “No amount of fawning is enough apparently- the entire clan must cash out.”
