Trump Nominates 80-Year-Old Cuban-American Benjamin Leon Jr. for U.S. Ambassador to Spain, Awaiting Senate Confirmation

Jan 3, 2025, 08:35 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Benjamin Leon Jr., an 80-year-old Cuban-American businessman, to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Spain. The position has been vacant since July of the previous year when Julissa Reynoso resigned. Trump highlighted Leon's journey from arriving in the U.S. from Communist Cuba at the age of 16 with only five dollars to building Leon Medical Centers into a successful business. Leon is also recognized for his philanthropy, particularly in healthcare, and his passion for equestrian activities. His nomination awaits Senate confirmation, with no set timeline for the process, though the Senate, currently with a Republican majority, is focused on confirming Trump's key political appointees ahead of his inauguration on January 20.