Tillman Fertitta emphasizes trade, energy and NATO cooperation in Senate hearing for ambassador to Italy

Tillman Fertitta, President Trump's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that strengthening trade, energy ties and NATO burden-sharing would be priorities if he is confirmed.

Fertitta described a multi-decade career in hospitality and entertainment, noting his ownership of restaurant brands and the Houston Rockets and stating his company employs more than 50,000 people across hotels, entertainment and gaming divisions. He cited philanthropic gifts, including nearly $90 million toward the University of Houston's medical college and sports center, and described his commitment to use business connections to expand bilateral commerce.

Senators pressed Fertitta on several security and economic concerns. Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen asked whether he would support multilateral mechanisms that coordinate U.S. and European approaches to the Western Balkans; Fertitta committed to "for sure" continuing U.S. engagement and to maintaining diplomatic coordination with Italy and U.S. partners. Senator Ben Sasse and others pressed him to press Italy to raise defense spending; Fertitta said he would work with the Italian government and make increasing defense investment a personal priority.

"We have got to get it at 2%," Fertitta said, referencing NATO's spending guideline, and added he planned to meet with Italian officials to review budget lines and encourage higher defense investment.

On energy, senators said Italy's floating storage and regasification units and geography make it a key NATO partner for Mediterranean energy security. Fertitta said he would promote U.S. energy firms' engagement with Italian authorities and try to reduce Italy's reliance on other suppliers, telling senators he would "look forward to bringing the two together" — U.S. energy companies and Italian buyers.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about China. Members noted Italy's prior participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and recent bilateral economic engagements with China. Fertitta said Italy's "number one ally is The United States of America" and that he would "monitor extremely closely" any economic entanglements with China while seeking to keep the United States foremost in Italy's strategic ties.

Fertitta pledged to support Italy's role in stabilizing the Western Balkans, to encourage continued assistance to Ukraine and to press Italian authorities to address migration and Mediterranean security challenges where U.S. and Italian interests intersect.

The committee left the record open for additional materials; no confirmation vote occurred during the hearing.