AIFC Commends President Trump’s Nomination of Tilman Fertitta as U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino

On March 31, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) sent a letter supporting President Trump’s nomination of Tilman Fertitta as Ambassador of the U.S. to Italy and San Marino. In a joint letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti stated:

“On behalf of the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), we write in support of Tilman Fertitta’s nomination as the next U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Italian Republic and the Republic of San Marino. We commend President Trump on this important nomination and urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as well as the full United States Senate to approve Mr. Fertitta’s appointment as soon as possible.

The AIFC is an alliance of more than 500 companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable, imported Italian products including coffee, pasta, biscuits, and wafers. The products our member organizations make contribute to the strong cultural identity of many of America’s great cities, and support American jobs and prosperity. AIFC members support 5.9 million jobs; $422.9 billion in economic output; $94.78 billion in taxes; and $1.8 billion in manufacturing.

We know Mr. Fertitta respects the full political, economic, historic, and cultural connections that make the U.S.-Italy relationship so critical to both nations. Additionally, as an accomplished businessman and restauranteur of Italian descent, we are confident Mr. Fertitta appreciates the importance of uniquely Italian food products – such as those produced by our members – for American consumers.

If confirmed, we look forward to working together with Mr. Fertitta and the Trump Administration to ensure Americans continue to have access to the high-quality Italian food products they know and love, and to build on the strong relationship between our two great nations.”