The U.S. Senate has confirmed three of President Donald Trump’s ambassador nominees in a series of votes that mark a major diplomatic milestone amid an ongoing political standoff in Washington. The approvals come as the federal government shutdown stretches into its 30th day, adding both symbolism and strain to the high-stakes confirmations.
A Trio of Billionaire Ambassadors
The Senate voted to confirm Warren Stephens as ambassador to the United Kingdom, Tom Barrack to Turkey, and Tilman Fertitta to Italy. All three are well-known business figures and long-time Republican donors with close ties to the Trump administration.
Each nominee managed to secure a handful of Democratic votes, signaling limited bipartisan support even in an otherwise sharply divided chamber.
Stephens, a prominent Arkansas investment banker, won approval by a 59-39 vote earlier in the week. His nomination drew strong backing from fellow Arkansan, Sen. Tom Cotton, who praised him as a “family man, businessman, philanthropist, and patriot.”
“He is the right person to lead our strong, special relationship with the United Kingdom,” Cotton said during the floor debate.
Warren Stephens: From Finance to Foreign Affairs
Before entering the diplomatic arena, Stephens served as President and CEO of Stephens Inc., a Little Rock-based investment banking firm. His deep experience in business and finance, supporters say, will serve him well as the next U.S. ambassador to one of America’s closest allies.
According to Federal Election Commission filings, Stephens’s political giving has evolved over time. While he initially donated to a PAC opposing Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016, he later shifted his support, contributing millions to pro-Trump committees, including a $3 million donation to MAGA Inc. in 2024.
“Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time,” Trump said after the confirmation vote. “I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat to one of our most cherished and beloved allies.”
Tom Barrack’s Return to the Spotlight
The Senate confirmed Tom Barrack, a private equity executive and long-time Trump ally, in a 60-36 vote. Barrack’s decades-long relationship with Trump dates back to the 1980s. He served in the Reagan administration before founding Colony Capital, a major global investment firm.
Barrack’s political and personal ties to the former president run deep — he advised Trump’s 2016 campaign and later chaired his 2017 inauguration committee. His confirmation marks a political comeback after a high-profile legal battle.
In 2021, Barrack was charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates, accusations he denied. He was acquitted in 2022, paving the way for his reemergence in public service.
Tilman Fertitta: Business Titan Heads to Rome
In one of the most decisive votes of the day, the Senate confirmed billionaire businessman Tilman Fertitta as ambassador to Italy by a vote of 83-14.
Fertitta, who owns the Houston Rockets and is CEO of Landry’s — a hospitality conglomerate that operates restaurants, hotels, and casinos — is widely regarded as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in America.
His appointment to Italy, a key NATO ally, is expected to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
“Tilman Fertitta has built an empire based on hard work and vision,” a senior Republican aide said. “That drive and commitment will serve him well in representing U.S. interests abroad.”
Confirmations Amid Shutdown Stalemate
While the ambassador confirmations mark a diplomatic win for the administration, they also come against a backdrop of deep political gridlock. The federal government has now been partially shut down for a month, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid and critical services disrupted.
Despite the House of Representatives passing a clean funding bill weeks ago, the Senate remains paralyzed. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has instructed Senate Democrats not to back the measure, arguing that the proposal fails to address key priorities, including healthcare and social programs.
Republicans, meanwhile, have accused Democrats of holding the budget hostage for partisan gains. “Democrats want to load the bill with trillions in new spending and programs we simply cannot afford,” one GOP lawmaker said.
Political Pressure Mounts on Both Sides
As the shutdown drags on, public frustration continues to rise. Several major media outlets have begun to shift their tone, noting that Democrats are now facing growing blame for the impasse.
Even traditionally left-leaning outlets such as CNN and ABC News have acknowledged that the stalemate has politically benefited Republicans, who have remained unified behind Trump’s demand for a straightforward funding extension.
CNBC joined the chorus this week, calling on Democrats to compromise and reopen the government, citing mounting economic costs and strain on working families.
Balancing Diplomacy and Domestic Division
The timing of the ambassador confirmations underscores the Trump administration’s broader challenge — projecting global stability while managing deep domestic political divisions.
Diplomatic analysts say the appointments of Stephens, Barrack, and Fertitta could help the administration build stronger international alliances during a period of volatility. However, others warn that appointing major political donors could invite scrutiny over the influence of money in diplomacy.
Still, supporters argue the three new ambassadors represent American success stories. “They are people who built their own empires, who understand business, negotiation, and loyalty,” said one Senate Republican staffer. “Those are exactly the qualities we need in global diplomacy right now.”
For now, the three envoys await formal credentialing ceremonies in London, Ankara, and Rome — while back in Washington, lawmakers face mounting pressure to end the shutdown and restore normal government operations.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
