Trump Envoy's Superyacht 'Diplomacy' Tour Met by Hundreds of Protesters in Venice

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 tour along the Italian coast on his 384-foot superyacht, dubbed 'Coastal Diplomacy 250,' ostensibly to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The tour has been poorly received. In Venice, his arrival coincided with a major festival and was met by hundreds of protesters. Demonstrators carried a banner reading 'Venezia non si USA' (Venice is not to be used), matching the length of his yacht to symbolize 'the dimensions of his arrogance.' Protesters denounced the Trump administration for 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.'