On December 21, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Tilman J. Fertitta to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Italy and the Republic of San Marino. Fertitta was officially confirmed as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Italy and the Republic of San Marino April 29, 2025, marking a new chapter as Fertitta steps onto the international stage.
Trump highlighted Fertitta’s entrepreneurial achievements, saying:
“I am pleased to announce that Tilman J. Fertitta has been nominated to serve as United States Ambassador to Italy. Tilman is an accomplished businessman who has founded and built one of the country's premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans. Tilman has a long history of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, which include children's charities law enforcement and the medical community. Additionally, Tilman is the longest serving chairman of the Board of Regents for University of Houston. He also owns the Houston Rockets basketball team.”
Fertitta, whose grandfather immigrated from Sicily, was referred to by President Trump as “a trusted friend and brilliant negotiator” and emphasized that his leadership style and business acumen would serve the U.S well abroad.
Fertitta’s road to Italy did not follow a traditional diplomatic path. Known widely for his entrepreneurial success and hospitality empire, his appointment stirred both intrigue and optimism. Rooted in a proud Sicilian heritage, Fertitta’s background makes his new role a full-circle moment.
Fertitta's confirmation came swiftly after President Trump’s nomination in December of 2024, where the President stated “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 wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. “Tilman has a long history of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, which include children’s charities, Law Enforcement, and the medical community.” Fertitta was favorably received by the United States Senate, receiving confirmation with 83% of the vote.
Fertitta had long been a trusted ally of the administration and a prominent figure in national business circles. But this was not just about loyalty. It was about positioning a proven negotiator and successful international businessman in a role where economic diplomacy matters now more than ever.
Supporters recognized Fertitta’s dealmaking instincts, honed over decades of expanding his hospitality empire globally, would be a powerful asset in strengthening U.S.-Italy relations. Republican Senator John Cornyn, a member of the committee who commended Fertitta's "realization of the American dream." Senato Cornyn further added, “I have no doubt he will do a stellar job as ambassador, so it’s my honor to support his nomination.”
With Italy playing a vital role in NATO and acting as a cultural and economic bridge between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, the ambassadorship is no ceremonial gig. Despite his remarkable success, Fertitta made it clear during his Senate hearing that “If confirmed, I take the responsibility of being an ambassador at this crucial moment in history as the most important job of my life," a statement he delivered with conviction that underscored his commitment to the role.
His connection to Italy runs deeper than politics or economics. Fertitta spoke of his grandfather, who immigrated from Sicily, and how that story shaped his own. It is a connection that instantly resonates in Rome—a city that respects legacy and personal history. That cultural familiarity, mixed with Fertitta’s natural charisma, positioned him to be more than a representative of U.S. policy—he became a symbol of shared heritage and possibility.
As ambassador, Fertitta will focus on efforts to foster closer partnerships between Italy and the United States. During the Senate hearing, Fertitta explained, "The feedback that I have received from Italy is that they're very excited about having an American, true entrepreneur, come over there and work with them, and when you look at trade between the two of us, there is so much more that can be done."
So, what once might have seemed like an unconventional pick has quickly become one of the administration’s most well-received appointments abroad.
