Donald Trump's Stake in 'Apprentice' Continues

Donald Trump told Harvey Levin back in September, as one of the creators of "The Apprentice" ... he had a lifetime deal with the show whether he was on it or not.

We were told, then and now, any involvement he might have in the show ceases when he becomes President, other than the title "executive producer" and his paycheck.

Levin asked Trump, while shooting the TV special "OBJECTified: Donald Trump," if he was rooting for Arnold, and Trump made it clear he wants the show to succeed.

Sources connected to the show tell us, Trump had no involvement in the most recent installment with Arnold Schwarzenegger -- and sources connected with Trump tell us he'll have no involvement as long as he is President.