WASHINGTON | October 15, 2026

President Donald Trump’s longtime friend Paolo Zampolli has been removed from his position as U.S. special envoy for global partnerships following months of internal disputes with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

A U.S. official confirmed Thursday that Zampolli had been notified his appointment was terminated and that he was no longer a government employee.

The dismissal came hours after Politico published details of a nearly yearlong confrontation between the two officials, including heated email exchanges over Zampolli’s authority to conduct diplomatic and economic activities on behalf of the United States.

Zampolli, an Italian-born businessman and former modeling executive, has maintained a close personal relationship with Trump for decades. He is also credited with introducing Trump to Melania Knauss, who later became the first lady.

A Dispute Over Diplomatic Authority

According to emails obtained by Politico, Landau repeatedly instructed Zampolli to limit his activities to cultural diplomacy, warning him against conducting broader foreign-policy initiatives without authorization.

The dispute intensified after Zampolli engaged with foreign officials, including meetings in the Balkans that raised concerns within the State Department about the scope of his authority.

Landau maintained that Zampolli remained subject to the department’s leadership structure, while Zampolli argued that his appointment came directly from the president.

The exchanges reportedly included allegations of information leaks, threats of legal action and repeated disagreements over the chain of command.

Trump appointed Zampolli to the diplomatic position in March 2025, citing his international business relationships and experience with global institutions.

Business Diplomacy and International Deals

Zampolli had promoted his role as an opportunity to strengthen American commercial relationships abroad, using his international network to encourage business partnerships and investment.

He previously pointed to major international transactions, including Uzbekistan Airways’ agreement to acquire 22 Boeing aircraft, as examples of the economic opportunities associated with international engagement.

His departure raises questions about the limits of special-envoy authority when privately connected presidential appointees pursue commercial diplomacy alongside the State Department’s established leadership.

The administration has not publicly established whether the dispute with Landau directly caused his removal.

Zampolli Responds to Departure

Following the announcement, Zampolli expressed appreciation to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presenting his departure as an opportunity to return to private business.

In a statement posted on X, he said his appointment had been extended beyond its original term and described serving the United States as the greatest honor of his life.

He also recounted a recent conversation in which Trump encouraged him to return to making business deals.

Zampolli told Italy’s Corriere della Sera that Trump had personally called him Thursday afternoon.

His removal marks the end of a diplomatic appointment that combined longstanding presidential access, international business relationships and growing disagreements within the administration over who has authority to represent American interests abroad.

JBizNews Desk | Washington, D.C.

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