Trump's choice of Tillman Fertitta as ambassador to Italy sparks outrage

In a significant political move, Donald Trump, the incoming president, is poised to name Tillman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets, as the next US Ambassador to Italy. This appointment comes as Trump prepares for his second presidential inauguration on January 20. Fertitta, at 67 years old, has a considerable fortune, estimated at $10.9 billion by Forbes, primarily amassed through his leadership at Landry's, which operates in various sectors, including casinos and hotels. Born in Galveston, Texas, Fertitta is of Sicilian descent, which might lend a unique cultural perspective to his diplomatic mission. However, it remains uncertain how this new role, if confirmed, will impact his responsibilities with the Houston Rockets, a team he has owned since 2017. In a similar vein, Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, was named as the UK Ambassador during Trump's previous administration, while his brother took over his NFL obligations. Notably, current US Ambassador to Italy, Jack Markell, serves under the Biden administration, indicating a political shift and differing approaches between the two administrations. Fertitta's prospective role is not only significant because of his wealth and business acumen, but it also highlights the crossover between sports executives and political roles in the new administration. Trump's recent announcement also included the nomination of Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host, for the ambassadorship to Greece, indicating a trend of appointing individuals from the media and business spheres into governmental positions, a practice typical of both political party dynamics. As the new administration gears up for these pivotal appointments, the implications for both Fertitta and the Houston Rockets will be closely observed, particularly regarding how he balances diplomacy with his business interests in the basketball franchise.