The next contestants on “The Celebrity Apprentice” appear to be Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and the gang.
Donald Trump announced Friday he will be moderating a Republican presidential debate, grilling those who would like to hear the TV star’s signature line – “You’re hired” – for the highest office in the land.
Trump, who flirted with his own bid for the White House, will pair up with the conservative news outlet Newsmax to host the debate in Iowa later this month.
“Mr. Trump’s appeal to the conservative base is enormous and Newsmax recognize that,” said Trump spokesman Michael Cohen, who added that his office is still “flooded” with requests for The Donald to run for President.
The Des Moines forum – to be held on Dec. 27, just a week before the caucus – should further cement Trump’s powerful role as a GOP kingmaker.
Several Presidential contenders – including Romney, Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann – all met with Trump in Manhattan in recent weeks to seek the real estate mogul’s advice and support.
And Gingrich, who has soared to the top of most national GOP polls, is set to sit down with The Donald at the Trump Tower Monday.
The publicity-hungry developer, who also met with Sarah Palin when she was mulling a White House bid, is expected to endorse a GOP candidate during the primary season.
His blessing could be a boost, as Trump has become a popular draw on the conservative speaking circuit.
Newsmax sent invitations to each candidate, asking them to join “a truly great American, Mr. Donald J. Trump” for the panel.
It was not announced Friday which candidates would be appearing on the debate, which will be broadcast on the Ion network and appears certain to further blur the lines between politics and reality TV.
However, a spokesman for Jon Huntsman said the former Utah governor would not be attending.
