>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
Stephens’ business background includes decades leading Stephens Inc., a major investment firm headquartered in Little Rock. He stepped down earlier this year, paving the way for his current shift into public service. His donation history once placed him outside Trump’s circles—he contributed $1 million to the anti-Trump group “Our Principles PAC” during the 2016 campaign—but in later years, he became a staunch ally. FEC filings show that he contributed to pro-Trump efforts in 2019 and 2020, and in 2024, he gave a massive $3 million to MAGA Inc.
President Trump celebrated the appointment, declaring, “Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full-time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat, representing the U.S.A. to one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies,” a statement that underscored the importance of the position.
The Senate also gave its approval to Tom Barrack—an executive, Trump confidant, and veteran of Republican politics—on a 60–36 vote. Barrack has been close to Trump since the 1980s and previously worked in the Reagan administration before launching his private equity empire. He was a significant figure during Trump’s 2016 rise, advising the campaign and chairing the 2017 inauguration committee.
While the Justice Department once accused Barrack of improperly acting on behalf of the UAE in 2021, he was fully acquitted the following year. Republicans cited the acquittal as proof he was unfairly targeted for his ties to Trump, clearing the path for his nomination.
Another major confirmation came with the approval of Tilman Fertitta as ambassador to Italy in an overwhelming 83–14 vote. Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the Houston Rockets and head of Landry’s hospitality empire, was tapped by Trump late last year. Senators praised his global business experience and his ability to strengthen U.S. relations with one of Europe’s most influential economies.
These confirmations are part of a larger push by Senate Republicans, who recently moved to fast-track Trump’s nominees and clear a backlog created by months of delay tactics. Over 100 Trump picks were confirmed in a single wave after the GOP adjusted chamber rules to allow non-Cabinet nominees to be approved in groups.
This procedural overhaul—often referred to as a version of the “nuclear option”—was designed to break through what Republicans described as intentional obstruction by Senate Democrats. The change did not apply to judges or Cabinet-level officials but dramatically accelerated the pace for other critical posts.
Among the many confirmations were former GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walker, now ambassador to the Bahamas, and Sergio Gor, a former White House personnel chief who will serve as ambassador to India. The scale of the approvals marks one of the most significant victories for Trump’s administration since returning to office.
Republicans had briefly debated allowing Trump to install nominees through recess appointments, but party leaders ultimately backed away from the plan, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
The massive confirmation sweep gives the Trump administration fresh momentum as it continues filling key positions across the government—especially with Democrats still relying on procedural roadblocks in an attempt to slow Trump’s agenda. Last fall, GOP senators even considered altering the long-standing “blue slip” tradition after Trump criticized Sen. Chuck Grassley for preserving it.
With the Senate now moving at full speed, Trump’s diplomatic and administrative footprint continues to expand, positioning his policies firmly across the global stage and marking a decisive victory for his allies at home and abroad.
