Trump 'wants to help Richard Hatch'

Donald Trump has revealed that he is considering reaching out to Richard Hatch as the former Survivor winner serves a nine-month jail sentence for tax evasion.

The Celebrity Apprentice host told People that he sympathises with the reality star, who is competing in the current season of the NBC competition, and would like to help him in whatever way possible.

"It sounds like a very tough predicament," he said.

"I may ask him if there's anything I can do... I may get involved and ask him what the hell is going on."

Trump also claimed that he came to respect Hatch after working with him on Celebrity Apprentice, adding: "He wasn't loved on set because it's a competition but I will say he was respected.

"[Helping him is] something I'd think about. He's been a great character on the show. If he makes it to the finals - and I'm not saying he is - I'm sure we can get him time off for good behaviour."