The Senate, now under Republican control, has confirmed three of former President Trump’s ambassadorial picks for key posts in Europe and the Middle East. These nominees — Warren Stephens, Tom (Thomas) Barrack, and Tilman Fertitta — are all longtime Trump affiliates, particularly in business and financial circles. Their confirmations reflect a broader GOP push to rapidly staff the executive branch after months of gridlock.
First, Warren Stephens was confirmed 59–39 as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Stephens is an investment banker — CEO of Stephens Inc., based in Arkansas — and a major Trump donor. Senator Tom Cotton praised him in committee, calling him a “family man, businessman, patriot.” His appointment is significant given the U.K.’s geopolitical importance post-Brexit. News reports emphasize the prestige of the role and Stephens’s political giving.
Next, Thomas Barrack (often called Tom Barrack) was confirmed 60–36 as Ambassador to Turkey. Barrack is a private equity executive and one of Trump’s oldest and closest friends — their association dates back decades. He has global business experience, but his past is controversial: he was charged by the Department of Justice in 2021 for allegedly acting as an unregistered lobbyist, though he was acquitted in 2022. His Turkey post is strategically important, given that nation’s complex relationship with the U.S.
The third confirmation was Tilman Fertitta, who won strong bipartisan support with an 83–14 vote to serve as Ambassador to Italy (and concurrently to San Marino). Fertitta is a billionaire businessman — CEO of Landry’s and owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets. He’s of Sicilian descent and has expressed deep respect for Italian culture and history. To take on the diplomatic role, Fertitta will step down from his CEO role and resign as chair of the University of Houston System board, though he’ll continue to own the Rockets.
These confirmations came as part of a larger Senate effort to move through more than 100 of Trump’s nominees in a single session. The Senate made procedural changes to speed up confirmations — bundling many executive branch nominations to push past delays. The shift reflects rising tensions over appointment processes and efforts by Republicans to assert control over staffing.
Senate leadership, including Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch, defended these picks as “heavy hitters” who understand business, policy, and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Democrats expressed concern: for example, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) emphasized in her remarks the need for ambassadors who uphold democratic values and strengthen NATO alliances with countries like the UK, Italy, and Turkey.
In short, the confirmations reinforce how Trump-aligned business leaders are being placed in sensitive diplomatic roles. These appointments will shape U.S. engagement with key allies — especially in Europe and NATO — at a time when global geopolitics remain volatile.
