Tilman Fertitta, the billion-dollar buyer host, is Trump’s choice to be the US ambassador to Italy

The Houston Rockets’ owner, businessman Tilman Fertitta, has been appointed by Donald Trump to be the United States ambassador to Italy.

Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets and host of CNBC’s Billion Dollar Buyer, is expected to be nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the US ambassador to Italy.

Fertitta, the CEO of Landry’s restaurant chain, travels the country to try out innovative hospitality items in Billion Dollar Buyer.

In an effort to secure a relationship with Landry’s, small company owners compete to win Fertitta over. The program started airing in 2016 and ended in 2018.

Among the establishments in the Landry’s group are the Chart House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Morton’s The Steakhouse.

Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday, saying, “Tilman is a successful businessman who founded and built one of our Country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans.” Through various charitable endeavors, including those involving children’s organizations, law enforcement, and the medical sector, Tillman has a long history of giving back to the community.

Fertitta described the nomination as “an absolute honor” on X, formerly Twitter.

In addition, Fertitta controls the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos network and the Houston Rockets.
In 2011, the billionaire bought the Golden Nugget’s Atlantic City site from Trump Entertainment Resorts; the casino was formerly known as the Trump Marina.