Donald Trump is set to nominate Tilman Fertitta, host of CNBC’s Billion Dollar Buyer and owner of the Houston Rockets, as the next United States ambassador to Italy.
Billion Dollar Buyer showcases Fertitta, also the CEO of Landry’s restaurant group, as he travels across the country to discover new hospitality products. Small business owners compete to impress Fertitta for a chance to partner with Landry’s. The show premiered in 2016 and last aired in 2018.
Fertitta’s Landry’s group includes popular restaurants like Morton’s The Steakhouse, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and the Chart House.
“Tilman is a successful entrepreneur, having built one of the country’s top entertainment and real estate companies, providing jobs for around 50,000 Americans,” Trump announced on Truth Social. “He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting children’s charities, law enforcement, and the medical community.”
Fertitta expressed his gratitude for the nomination on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “an absolute honor.”
In addition to his role with the Houston Rockets, Fertitta owns the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos chain. He acquired the Atlantic City location of the Golden Nugget from Trump Entertainment Resorts in 2011, which was previously known as the Trump Marina.
