Donald Trump Selects Cuban-American Businessman Benjamín León Jr. as U.S. Ambassador to Spain

President-elect Donald Trump has revealed via the social media platform Truth Social his intention to appoint Benjamín León Jr., a businessman with Cuban roots, as the new U.S. Ambassador to Spain. This nomination is subject to approval by the U.S. Senate.

Born in Oriente, Cuba, in 1944, Benjamín León Jr. relocated to the United States in 1961 at the age of 16, settling in Miami with his family. He is the founder of Leon Medical Centers (LMC), which provides healthcare services to Medicare beneficiaries in the Miami-Dade area. Previously, León, along with his father, established the Clínica Asociación Cubana (CAC), which in 1973 acquired Florida's first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) license. In 1994, they sold CAC to UnitedHealthCare for about $500 million.

León is also notable for his passion for horse racing, having founded Besilu Stables in the 1980s, and for his philanthropic efforts in supporting causes like La Liga Contra el Cáncer and funding medical research at renowned institutions. Additionally, he is a prominent donor to the Republican Party.

In his announcement, Trump praised León's career and accomplishments: "It is a privilege to nominate Benjamín León Jr. as our ambassador to Spain. His story and dedication to the principles of our nation are remarkable."

This appointment highlights the significance of Cuban Americans within the president-elect's agenda and his strategy to enhance international relations, particularly with Spain.