Getty Images Arnold is the new Donald, at least for The Celebrity Apprentice. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been named the new host of Celebrity Apprentice, taking over for Donald Trump, and surprise! Trump had something to say. But even more of a surprise, it was all positive.
"Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season's Celebrity Apprentice," Trump tweeted. "He'll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity. To all my fans, sorry I couldn't do The Apprentice any longer—but equal time (presidential run) prohibits me from doing so. Love!"
When he was announced as the new host, Schwarzenegger issued the following statement: "I have always been a huge fan of The Celebrity Apprentice and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork. I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let's get started!"
The outspoken former host of The Celebrity Apprentice and NBC severed ties after the Republican presidential candidate made several derogatory remarks about immigrants. "At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values. Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump. To that end, the annual Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants, which are part of a joint venture between NBC and Trump, will no longer air on NBC. In addition, as Mr. Trump has already indicated, he will not be participating in The Celebrity Apprentice on NBC. Celebrity Apprentice is licensed from Mark Burnett's United Artists Media Group and that relationship will continue," NBC said.
Trump of course released his own statement after the split was announced.
"As of today, Donald J. Trump is no longer affiliated with NBC," read the statement released by his office and obtained by E! News. "Mr. Trump stands by his statements on illegal immigration, which are accurate. NBC is weak, and like everybody else is trying to be politically correct—that is why our country is in serious trouble."
When NBC announced Schwarzenegger as the new host, Burnett praised the new host.
"After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted The Celebrity Apprentice to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that," Burnett said in a statement. "Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights."
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)