Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Donald Trump on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’

NEW YORK, USA – Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will replace Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump as host of The Celebrity Apprentice, broadcaster NBC said Monday, September 14.

The network severed its ties with Trump in late June, declining to broadcast the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants which he and NBC co-owned, due to his controversial comments on Mexican immigrants. (READ: Mexico pulls out of Miss Universe pageant)

However, Trump had already said he would be leaving The Celebrity Apprentice to pursue his political career several weeks prior. (READ: Miss Universe Paulina Vega hits Donald Trump for anti-Mexican rant)

The program is a variation of its predecessor The Apprentice, and places well-known figures in competitions that test their business acumen and entrepreneurship, all the while helping raise money for charity.

“Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season’s Celebrity Apprentice. He’ll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity,” Trump posted on Twitter, following NBC’s announcement.

Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season’s Celebrity Apprentice. He’ll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 14, 2015

“Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves,” said Paul Telegdy, president of NBC’s alternative and late-night programming. (READ: NBC, Televisa latest to dump Donald Trump over Mexican immigrant comments)

On Friday, Trump announced he had bought NBC’s share in the Miss Universe pageant, becoming the sole owner. (READ: WME|IMG buys Miss Universe Organization from Donald Trump) – Rappler.com