Donald Trump appoints Cuban businessman Benjamín León as US ambassador to Spain
Posted on 01/06/25 at 12:08
- Donald Trump Appoints Cuban Businessman as Ambassador
- Benjamín León Named U.S. Ambassador to Spain
- Here are the details.
The president-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced the appointment of Cuban-born businessman Benjamín León as the new U.S. Ambassador to Spain.
The announcement was made via the social network TruthSocial.
In his message, Trump highlighted the personal and professional background of the future diplomat.
«I am pleased to announce that Benjamín León Jr. will be the next Ambassador of the United States to Spain,» Trump expressed in his message.
Donald Trump Appoints Cuban Businessman as Ambassador
Trump nominates Cuban-born businessman Benjamín León as U.S. Ambassador to Spain https://t.co/UMa0ARKAUP
— elEconomista.es (@elEconomistaes) January 3, 2025
Additionally, he emphasized that León is a «successful businessman, horseman, and philanthropist,» who arrived in the United States from Cuba at the age of 16 with only five dollars in his pocket. He later founded Leon Medical Centers, a prominent healthcare network in Florida.
The president-elect also highlighted León’s contribution to charitable and educational causes, mentioning his support for institutions like the League Against Cancer, Johns Hopkins, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Moreover, León has invested in the training of future healthcare professionals by financing the Benjamin León School of Nursing at Miami-Dade College and the Benjamin León Center for Geriatric Research and Education at Florida International University.
The ambassador’s position in Spain has been vacant since last July when Dominican-American diplomat Julissa Reynoso left her post after more than two years of service.
The Appointment Must Be Confirmed by the Senate
Congratulations to Benjamín León Jr. on his appointment as US Ambassador to Spain by President-elect Donald Trump! His family’s generosity has enriched @FIU through the León Jr. Family Center for Geriatric Research and @FIUCasaCuba. Wishing him continued success! #FIU pic.twitter.com/gekgJhedhG
— FIU Government and Community Affairs (@FIUgov) January 3, 2025
Reynoso described the moment in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Spain as «historic, with good collaboration and good feelings.»
Benjamín León’s appointment now needs to be ratified by the U.S. Senate, where Republicans hold a majority, making his confirmation easier. This is according to EFE.
With this appointment, Trump is betting on a figure with a strong business and philanthropic track record, which could strengthen the economic and diplomatic ties between the United States and Spain.
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