Billionaire casino mogul Tilman Fertitta is expected to be nominated as the next United States ambassador to Italy by President-elect Donald Trump. Multiple news outlets, including CBS News and the Houston Chronicle, have reported on this likely appointment.

Fertitta, 67, has been a significant GOP supporter, contributing $487,300 to Trump's primary super PAC and $349,050 to the Republican National Committee during the 2024 presidential race. His Italian heritage traces back to Sicily's Maceo family, who were prominent figures in Galveston, Texas, during the 1920s and 1930s.

As founder and CEO of Landry's, Fertitta's business empire includes:

• The NBA Houston Rockets
• Golden Nugget casinos across six states
• Multiple high-end restaurant chains
• Various hotels and resorts
• 9.9% ownership in Wynn Resorts

While Fertitta has never held public office, he served on Texas Governor Greg Abbott's COVID-19 pandemic reopening task force and participated in Trump's White House meetings regarding pandemic regulations.

The U.S. ambassador to Italy position, established in 1831, requires Senate confirmation and involves:

• Representing U.S. interests in Italy
• Serving as a liaison between Washington and Rome
• Managing diplomatic relations
• Leading the U.S. embassy team
• Residing at the official ambassador's residence in Rome

The appointment awaits formal nomination by Trump and subsequent Senate confirmation.

Related Articles

Previous Articles