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Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Venice on Friday to demonstrate against U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta as he arrived in the lagoon city aboard his superyacht, Boardwalk. Protest organisers said Fertitta had become a symbol of President Donald Trump’s policies, criticising Washington’s foreign policy and support for Israel while also condemning Venice’s growing role as a destination for billionaire visitors. The demonstration briefly turned tense when police prevented protesters from reaching the waterfront where the yacht was moored, leading to minor scuffles as security was reinforced ahead of the city’s Redentore festival.
Details
- Opposition to the visit: Around 300 demonstrators marched through Venice carrying banners opposing Fertitta’s arrival, saying they viewed the ambassador as a representative of the Trump administration’s policies. Protest organisers also expressed support for Palestinians and criticised U.S. backing of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while blaming American foreign policy for contributing to wider international instability. These are claims made by protesters.
- Venice’s growing frustration: The demonstration reflected broader concerns among local activist groups over overtourism and the increasing number of high-profile international events hosted in the fragile lagoon city. Organisers argued Venice is increasingly being used as a showcase for wealthy elites rather than prioritising the needs of residents.
- Diplomatic mission: Fertitta is visiting Venice as part of his “Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Tour,” a programme marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The tour, which includes visits to 13 Italian coastal regions, is intended to celebrate the historical, economic and cultural ties between the United States and Italy.
- Heightened security: Authorities increased security around the ambassador’s visit as it coincides with Venice’s Redentore festival, one of the city’s largest annual celebrations. Police stopped demonstrators from approaching the yacht, resulting in brief clashes, while Italy’s Green and Left Alliance criticised the deployment of officers, accusing the government of diverting police from regular public safety duties.
- Fertitta’s response: The ambassador defended the visit and voiced support for peaceful demonstrations, saying Americans respect freedom of speech and that the Coastal Diplomacy tour is designed to celebrate the long-standing friendship between the United States and Italy. He has also dismissed suggestions that relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have deteriorated.
What Else
- Echoes of previous protests: Many of the groups involved also opposed Jeff Bezos’ 2025 Venice wedding, highlighting continuing local resistance to overtourism and the use of the city for high-profile international events.
- Festival continues: Fertitta is expected to attend Venice’s Redentore festival on Saturday, with thousands of residents and tourists gathering for one of the city’s most important annual religious and cultural celebrations.
- Tour moves on: Venice is one stop on Fertitta’s diplomatic tour of Italy, which aims to strengthen U.S.-Italy relations through visits to coastal communities marking 250 years of American independence.
