Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the Houston Rockets, Landry’s Inc. and a plethora of significant real estate, is expected to be President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to Italy.
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CBS News reported the decision, citing people familiar with the matter, though Trump transition officials declined to comment.
Fertitta is a longtime GOP donor and friend of Trump, and he joined Trump and Elon Musk for a Starship rocket launch in Texas in November, CBS reported.
The Houston native owns more than 600 properties in at least 36 states and 15 countries, according to Landry’s website. Along with Landry’s numerous restaurant brands, aquariums, boardwalks and other entertainment offerings, Fertitta Entertainment owns and operates the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel brand, with five locations throughout the U.S.
Fertitta’s notable holdings in the Houston region include the upscale Post Oak Hotel, which Landry’s website says is Houston’s only AAA Five-Diamond Hotel, Galveston’s San Luis Resort and The Westin Houston Downtown.
Fertitta began expanding his Houston portfolio late last year with a 1.6-acre tract on Memorial Drive, then ramped up his acquisitions with the purchase of the $450M River Oaks District shopping center this year. He also scooped up two more properties adjacent to the River Oaks District and The Post Oak Hotel about a month later.
There are about 200 positions for foreign ambassadors in a president’s administration, and sometimes megadonors ask for and get the cushiest jobs, according to Politico. Some of Trump’s high-profile picks include former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and former Sen. David Perdue as ambassador to China.
Trump nominated real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. Kushner is the founder and chairman of Kushner Cos., which owns about $16B in assets.
Fertitta’s team has also not commented on the potential nomination, according to the Houston Chronicle. In one of his most recent media appearances, Fertitta expressed interest in buying the New Orleans Saints NFL team.