AFPI Statement on Lee Rizzuto’s Confirmation Hearing as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS)

Washington, D.C. — As the U.S. Senate conducts the confirmation hearing of Lee Rizzuto to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) strongly supports his confirmation and the mission ahead to restore American leadership across the Western Hemisphere.

“Lee Rizzuto is a patriot, a proven executive, and a public servant deeply committed to the values of American leadership,” said Greg Sindelar, CEO and President of AFPI. “His combination of international business leadership and diplomatic service gives him the judgment and experience necessary to represent U.S. interests in a region facing serious challenges.”

President Donald J. Trump nominated Mr. Rizzuto for this role, recognizing his track record of results in both the private and public sectors. As a longtime senior executive at Conair Corporation, he led one of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands with a global footprint — including deep ties across the Americas. His successful tenure as U.S. Consul General to Bermuda during the Trump Administration also reflects his commitment to service and loyalty to the American people.

“The Organization of American States has strayed too far, too often, from its founding purpose: to strengthen peace and security, safeguard democracy, and protect the sovereignty of its member states,” said Joshua Treviño, AFPI’s Senior Advisor to the President and Senior Fellow for the Western Hemisphere Initiative. “Lee Rizzuto is the right person to help realign that organization with its founding mission.”

Rizzuto’s nomination comes at a pivotal time for U.S. foreign policy in the Americas, as the region faces mounting external threats, democratic erosion, and growing influence from adversarial powers like China. The OAS is a vital forum for advancing an agenda rooted in sovereignty, economic freedom, and regional stability. AFPI’s Western Hemisphere Initiative sees this moment as a critical opportunity to reassert American leadership, confront destabilizing forces, and ensure the United States remains the leading voice in shaping the future of the hemisphere.

Upon confirmation, Ambassador Rizzuto will lead a mission dedicated to defending U.S. citizens, promoting stability, and restoring American influence throughout the hemisphere.

AFPI looks forward to working closely with Ambassador Rizzuto to secure a future for the Western Hemisphere in which the United States leads — firmly, unapologetically, and in accordance with the values that make this nation exceptional.