Omarosa says Ivanka Trump would be better ‘Apprentice’ host, reveals DeSantis also auditioned
“Apprentice” star @Omarosa weighs in on reports the show could be returning with Don Jr. as host. She tells Erin she thinks Ivanka would be a better host, and reveals Ron DeSantis told her he once tried out for the part. pic.twitter.com/Xql54BXr89
— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) May 2, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: Popular high-stakes business reality show, 'The Apprentice', debuted in 2004, and is speculated to return to television.
Omarosa Manigault Newman, commonly known as Omarosa, who gained national fame through the 2004 season of the show, reacted after President Trump hinted that 'The Apprentice' could return.
'The Apprentice' to return with Donald Jr as host
Talking to CNN anchor Erin Burnett, Omarosa revealed a few things about the possible upcoming season of 'The Apprentice'. The show could be returning with Donald Jr. as host.
Omarosa told the anchor Erin that she thinks Ivanka would be a better host. 'The Apprentice'-fame reality television star and author also revealed that Ron DeSantis told her he once tried out for the part.
Speaking on CNN's 'Erin Burnett OutFront' on Friday, May 1, Omarosa questioned Donald Trump Jr.'s business success, noting, "The reason 'The Apprentice' was so successful is because Donald Trump was a businessman who had all these different avenues... What will Don Jr. talk about in terms of his business success?"
About the possibility of Donald Jr. being the host of the show, she said, “That was the most surprising aspect of the story.”
Omarosa further asked, “What will Donald Jr. talk about on the show?”
Omarosa says Ivanka could be a better choice
Omarosa stated that Ivanka Trump would be a better choice for host, citing her "different level of charisma" and business acumen in running clothing and jewelry lines.
Omarosa said, “She has lots of business successes, and she is really sharp,” adding that between the two of them, she would choose Ivanka as the host of the show.
In a surprising comment, she suggested that Ron DeSantis, whom she claimed once tried out for the show, could be considered for host, noting, "He's going to be out of a job soon. Maybe he could be considered for host."
“Ron DeSantis, I wouldn't have had that on my bingo card," responded CNN anchor Erin Burnett.
What is 'The Apprentice' show?
'The Apprentice' is a business reality competition show, debuting in 2004, where contestants vie for a lucrative, one-year job contract to run one of the host's companies, famously hosted by current President Donald Trump.
The contestants (candidates) work in teams to complete business tasks—sales, marketing, and advertising—with the loser being eliminated or fired in the boardroom.
'The Apprentice' Omarosa connection
Omarosa gained fame from Donald Trump's 'The Apprentice', which came out in 2004. Known for her cutthroat tactics, she returned for 'Celebrity Apprentice' (2008, 2013) and starred in the Trump-produced spinoff 'The Ultimate Merger' (2010), cementing her reputation as a reality television personality.
