US Envoy to Italy's $450 Million Super-Yacht Sparks Protests in Venice

Around 300 protesters clashed with riot police in Venice after US ambassador Tilman Fertitta’s $450 million yacht docked in the city during the Redentore festival, blocking the view of the traditional fireworks. Demonstrators accused the billionaire Trump ally of turning the city into a playground for the ultra wealthy.

Roughly 300 protesters faced off with riot police in Venice on Friday evening after the US ambassador to Italy showed up with his $450 million superyacht right in the middle of the city’s beloved Redentore festival. The ambassador, Tilman Fertitta, has spent the summer sailing around Italy on his private yacht, Boardwalk, along with family members and staff. Fertitta has described the trip on social media as a form of “coastal diplomacy,” meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Fertitta is a well known Trump ally and donor. But his timing in Venice couldn’t have landed worse. The Redentore festival is one of the city’s most treasured annual events, and his massive yacht ended up docking directly in front of the spot where locals typically gather to watch the festival’s famous fireworks from shore.

Daniele Giordano, who serves as secretary of the CGIL union in Venice, addressed the crowd and called it shameful that the city was hosting Fertitta’s yacht during such a significant local celebration. He argued the yacht’s presence stood in direct opposition to ideas of environmental and social sustainability, per the report.

One protester, Emanuele Lepore, spoke with Reuters and expressed frustration that residents have to fight so hard just to convince people the city isn’t for sale. He described Venice as a place being hollowed out, losing housing, public services, and everyday living space to wealthy outsiders.

Fertitta’s itinerary includes stops at 13 different ports through Labor Day. At each stop, he plans to meet with local business figures, celebrities, and American guests aboard the yacht, a schedule that has demanded heightened security both on land and at sea.

The Redentore festival itself dates back centuries, commemorating the end of a devastating plague outbreak in 1576. Thousands of people typically pack the canals in boats each year to take part, with the celebration ending in a fireworks display over the city.