Trump envoy's superyacht greeted by protesters in Venice with banner matching its length

Published Jul 17, 07:19 PM UTC

Tilman Fertitta, a Texas billionaire and President Donald Trump's ambassador to Italy, is conducting a two-month 'Coastal Diplomacy 250' tour along the Italian coast on his 384-foot superyacht, ostensibly to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. His arrival in Venice on Friday, coinciding with a major Venetian festival, was met by hundreds of protesters. Demonstrators carried a banner reading 'Venezia non si USA' (Venice is not to be used), which organizers said matched the length of Fertitta's yacht to reflect 'the dimensions of his arrogance.' Protesters voiced opposition to the Trump administration, accusing it of promoting oligarchy, bombing Iran, and supporting genocide in Gaza. After a brief clash with riot police, protesters shouted 'Shame!' at authorities. Signs and T-shirts bore messages such as 'Party Yes, American Arrogance No,' 'No Kings, No Oligarchs,' and 'We are Not Trump's Slaves and You Are Not the Emperors of the World.'