Benjamin Leon

Benjamín León Jr. (born December 4, 1944) is a Cuban-American businessman and horse enthusiast who is serving as the United States ambassador to Spain.

Early life and career Benjamin Leon was born in Oriente, Cuba in 1944, and in 1961, he migrated to Miami, Florida. He is of Spanish descent through his great grandparents who were from the Canary Islands that settled in Cuba. Leon's father founded Clinica Cuba in 1964 in order to help meet the healthcare needs of newly immigrated Cubans. Leon Medical Centers is currently led by Leon's son, Benjamin Leon III, who serves as the company's CEO.

Besilu Stables In the 1980s, Leon established Besilu Stables, and began to show and breed Paso Fino horses.

Political activity and philanthropy In 2008, Leon donated $10 million to establish the Florida International University Family Center for Geriatrics Research and Education.

In 2015, Leon donated $2.5 million to the presidential campaign of Marco Rubio. Leon has also donated to the Republican Party of Kentucky and Mitch McConnell. He was also a major donor to Donald Trump's reelection campaign.

In 2025, Leon was one of the donors who funded the White House's East Wing demolition, and planned building of a ballroom.

In December 2025, the Senate confirmed Leon's nomination to be Ambassador to Spain.