Trump Names Aussie Basketball Owner as New Zealand, Samoa Ambassador Amid Global Diplomatic Shift

US President Donald Trump has appointed Jared Novelly, majority owner of Australian professional basketball team Illawarra Hawks, as the next US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. The appointment comes after a series of changes in the State Department, which saw several high-ranking officials resign or retire. As ambassador, Novelly will be responsible for representing US interests in both New Zealand and Samoa.