US Ambassador met with protests in Venice; billionaire's superyacht arrival seen as defiance

Hundreds of people protested in Venice against the arrival of U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, who sailed into the city on his superyacht. The demonstration on Friday targeted both the American diplomat's presence and the heightened security measures implemented by local authorities ahead of major city events.

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Fertitta must leave

Fertitta, a billionaire appointed by former President Donald Trump, is touring Italy's coastlines aboard his 117-meter luxury yacht, the "Boardwalk," as part of the "Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Tour." Protesters, numbering around 300, marched with signs reading "Fertitta must leave," "No room for billionaires," and "Venice must not be used." They attempted to reach the Riva dei Sette Martiri area where the yacht was docked but were stopped by law enforcement, with minor clashes reported between protesters and police.

Some participants also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian population and criticized U.S. foreign policy. The protest is part of a wider discontent in Venice regarding the city's use as a backdrop for exclusive events and visits by the ultra-wealthy. Organizers, including the Morion social center, view Fertitta as a symbol of Trump's policies and criticized the impact of large events and luxury tourism on the historic city.

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No room for billionaires

Italian media reported that the Green and Left Alliance (AVS) accused the government of deploying an excessive number of police officers to secure the ambassador's visit. Local authorities had already reinforced security due to the announced protests and the upcoming Festa del Redentore, one of Venice's most important festivals.

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Venice must not be used