Venice protesters plan to disrupt US ambassador's superyacht visit
Activists in Venice are preparing to protest the visit of US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and his 117-meter superyacht, fearing it will dock in the historic center during a major local festival.
Protesters in Venice are planning to disrupt a visit by billionaire US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, who is arriving on July 17 aboard his 117-meter superyacht "Boardwalk." The tour, called "Coastal Diplomacy 250," is meant to celebrate US-Italy ties and the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, local activists fear the yacht will be moored in the historic center during the Festa del Redentore, one of Venice's most important traditional celebrations.
The festival, held on the third weekend of July, commemorates the end of a 16th-century plague and features a temporary bridge to the Redentore church and a large fireworks display. Activists argue that the 32-meter-high, six-deck yacht—worth an estimated $450 million—will obstruct views and disrupt the event. "Redentore is one of the few occasions that still belongs to the people of Venice," said researcher Stella Faye.
The protesters have adopted the slogan "Venezia non si USA" ("Stop using Venice"), criticizing Fertitta's role in what they call the "warmongering and colonialist" Trump administration. Fertitta, an entertainment mogul and owner of the NBA's Houston Rockets, has a net worth of $14.2 billion and helped fund Trump's 2024 campaign.
Safety concerns were also raised, as local police may be diverted to protect the ambassador and manage boat traffic. "This isn't just an inconvenience, it's a danger to the public," Faye said. Last year, similar protests forced Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez to change their wedding venue at the last minute after threats to fill canals with inflatable crocodiles.
