Trump Makes West Palm Beach Man Ambassador 

President Donald Trump nominated a former West Palm Beach business leader to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, pending confirmation of the U.S. Senate.

Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, announced on Christmas Eve that John Arrigo, an entrepreneur in the automotive sales industry, will take the post. Arrigo was the longtime vice president of Arrigo Automotive Group Inc., which owns several car dealerships in the Palm Beach area.

“John is a highly successful entrepreneur in the automotive industry, and a champion golfer,” Trump wrote. “For over thirty years, he has been an incredible leader in business in West Palm Beach, and is respected by all. I have known John for a long time. He will do an incredible job for our country, and always put America FIRST.”

Arrigo will succeed outgoing Ambassador Randi Charno Levine, who leaves office Jan. 19. It is not clear when Arrigo’s nomination will come up for a confirmation hearing.

Arrigo’s nomination comes as Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club and residence in Palm Beach is expected to resume its moniker of the Southern White House, with those seeking to meet with the president already flocking to the region.

Arrigo could not be reached for comment. His ties to Portugal were not immediately known.