In a statement, Trump pointed to Fertitta's background in business, including his work as CEO of Landry's, a Texas-based restaurant and entertainment company.

Donald Trump announced Saturday that he is tapping Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta to be the next ambassador to Italy, where firebrand Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has become a European power player — and a Trump favorite.

Trump tapped Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for ambassador to Italy—putting him on a growing list of billionaires selected for administration roles.

Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets and Landry’s restaurant group, hosted a fundraiser for Trump earlier this year.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Houston billionaire and businessman Tilman Fertitta to become the next U.S. ambassador to Italy. "Tilman is an accomplished businessman, who has founded and built one of our country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies,

Donald Trump has appointed TV personality Tilman J. Fertitta as ambassador to Italy, continuing his trend of selecting entertainment world figures for key roles.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated the owner of the Houston Rockets, who also has real estate development interest.

Donald Trump has nominated Tilman Fertitta, Houston Rockets owner and Landry's CEO, as the next U.S. ambassador to Italy. Trump praised Fertitta's business acumen, overseeing a vast empire of restaurants,

Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets and Landry’s restaurant group, hosted a fundraiser for Trump earlier this year and is a regular donor to both parties.

President-elect Trump announced that he is nominating Callista Gingrich, Mauricio Claver-Carone and Ken Howery for various U.S. ambassador roles in his new administration.