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President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Australian basketball Illawarra Hawks majority owner Jared Novelly will serve as the next U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa.

Trump described Novelly as a "highly respected philanthropist" in an announcement on Truth Social.

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Illawarra Hawks owner Jared Novelly is seen in the crowd during the round five NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Illawarra Hawks at Cairns Convention Centre, in Cairns, Australia. (Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Novelly serves as chairman of Crest Sports and Entertainment and Crest Management.

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He is also an East Asia Superleague Basketball shareholder, according to his LinkedIn profile.

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"He will fight hard to protect our Nation’s interests in the Indo-Pacific, and always put AMERICA FIRST," Trump wrote. "Congratulations Jared!"

Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.