Burnett became president of MGM Television in December 2015, but stood aside in 2022 when Amazon acquired the studio.
He had a role in planning Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.
Burnett told the in 2010 that Trump was “fearless” and “a big, strong tough guy”.
“He is a very, very down-to-earth normal guy and he’s a really, really loyal friend and, as I’ve seen him with many other people, not the kind of enemy you would want,” said Burnett.
Trump’s first run for the presidency as Republican nominee in 2016 was plunged into crisis as tapes emerged of him telling Access Hollywood presenter Billy Bush that “you can do anything” to women “when you’re a star”.
Burnett released a statement at the time denying he was a supporter of Trump.
“Further, my wife and I reject the hatred, division and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign,” he said. Burnett is married to Londonderry-born actress Roma Downey.
Another former producer of The Apprentice subsequently claimed that Trump had been heard making “far worse” remarks in recordings from the show.
But Burnett rejected calls to release all outtakes of Trump, saying he was unable to do so and citing “various contractual and legal requirements”.
