President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, a prominent businessman and political donor, to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to Italy. Fertitta, best known as the owner of the Houston Rockets and Landry’s restaurant group, has a long history of philanthropic work and political involvement.
Trump announced the decision on Saturday, sharing his support for Fertitta’s nomination via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Tilman is an accomplished businessman, who has founded and built one of our Country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans,” Trump said. The nomination, if confirmed, would see Fertitta succeed former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, who has held the position since 2023.
A Deep Ties to Italy and Texas
Fertitta’s nomination is not surprising given his deep personal and professional connections to Italy. The 67-year-old billionaire has Sicilian roots—his great-great-uncles were immigrants who settled in Galveston, Texas, where they ran the infamous Balinese Room nightclub, which once doubled as an illegal casino. These family ties to Italy’s culture and heritage could prove to be an asset in his new diplomatic role.
He also has significant ties to Texas, both in the business world and through his long-standing political engagement. Fertitta’s political donations span both parties, although he has been especially generous to Republican candidates, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In fact, Fertitta has supported Abbott’s campaigns and was appointed by him to serve on the University of Houston System Board of Regents, where he has served as chair for over a decade.
A Billionaire with a Proven Record
Fertitta’s wealth—estimated by Forbes to be over $10 billion—stems from a diverse business empire. In addition to his ownership of the Houston Rockets, Fertitta also controls Landry’s, a hospitality and restaurant group that operates casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues across the country. His portfolio also includes the Golden Nugget Hotels & Casinos chain and a stake in Wynn Resorts, a major Las Vegas-based casino operator.
His ability to build and manage large, successful companies will likely serve him well in the role of ambassador. Trump praised Fertitta for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his contributions to children’s charities, law enforcement, and the medical community. These qualities, combined with his business acumen, make Fertitta a logical choice for this prestigious diplomatic post.
Fertitta’s nomination also highlights the growing trend of political appointments going to major donors and influential figures with significant business backgrounds. While some critics may argue that this represents a further blurring of the lines between politics and business, supporters view Fertitta as a capable leader with a proven track record of success.
What’s Next for Fertitta?
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Fertitta will take over the role of ambassador to Italy, a position previously held by Jack Markell. The U.S. ambassador to Italy plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the United States and Italy, a key European ally. Italy is also an important trade partner for the U.S., particularly in sectors like fashion, automobiles, and aerospace.
Fertitta’s experience in both business and philanthropy, combined with his personal ties to Italy, could provide him with a unique perspective on U.S.-Italy relations. However, his confirmation is not yet guaranteed, and it will ultimately be up to the Senate to approve the nomination.
Fertitta’s Political Influence
Beyond his business accomplishments, Fertitta’s political involvement is a notable aspect of his career. His ability to move seamlessly between both sides of the political aisle has allowed him to maintain influence in Texas and across the country. His donations to political campaigns have earned him recognition as a major figure in Texas politics, and his endorsement of Trump’s presidential campaigns further solidifies his standing within Republican circles.
Fertitta’s role in raising funds for Trump’s 2024 campaign, including a notable fundraiser held at his luxury Post Oak Hotel in Houston earlier this year, has earned him the trust of the president-elect. His bipartisan approach to political donations suggests that he could be effective in building diplomatic bridges between the U.S. and Italy, even as he aligns himself with the Republican Party.
His nomination to such a high-profile diplomatic position also raises questions about the increasing prominence of business leaders in politics. While Fertitta’s nomination is far from the first instance of a billionaire being appointed to a government position, it does underscore the growing influence of the business world in shaping political appointments.
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