In a forthcoming book titled "Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass," former President Donald Trump opens up about his time as the host of the popular reality TV show, "The Apprentice." The book, written by Ramin Setoodeh, Variety's co-editor-in-chief, delves into Trump's political career and the influence of the show.

During his tenure on "The Apprentice" from 2004 to 2015, Trump had a vision of his daughter, Ivanka Trump, taking over his role. He expressed his desire for her to be his potential replacement, stating, "I said, 'The best person to hire would be Ivanka Trump.'" However, NBC did not endorse the idea, considering it to be too much of a family affair.

Despite his belief in Ivanka's abilities, the network instead approached actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to fill Trump's shoes as the new host. This decision came after Trump's controversial comments about Mexican immigrants during his presidential campaign, which led to his departure from NBC.

"The Apprentice" followed a format where aspiring candidates competed for a position within one of Trump's organizations. In addition to Ivanka's potential involvement, Trump also expressed interest in having his sons, Eric Trump and Don Trump Jr., join her in the boardroom. The siblings frequently made guest appearances on the show.

Setoodeh's book draws on extensive interviews with Trump, including discussions with his former show advisers George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher, NBC executives, and former contestants. These insights shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show and its impact on Trump's political trajectory.

"Apprentice in Wonderland" is scheduled to be released on June 18 and promises a deep dive into the fascinating world of "The Apprentice" and its lasting effects on American politics.