Trump's ambassador to Italy infuriates Venice residents with America 250 stunt
Billionaire Tilman Fertitta, President Donald Trump's ambassador to Italy and owner of the NBA's Houston Rockets, has angered Venice residents by planning to bring his $450 million superyacht to the city.
The billionaire began a weeks-long Italian coastal tour on June 13 to mark America's 250th anniversary, with stops planned in Naples, Genoa, Palermo, and Cefalù, according to the Daily Beast.
According to a U.S. Embassy source who spoke with The Times of London, Fertitta is planning to attend the Festa del Redentore, a centuries-old festival celebrated between July 18 and 19, as well.
The 380-foot Boardwalk yacht features six decks, two helipads, two pools, and a beach club.
The controversy echoes protests over Jeff Bezos's $50 million Venice wedding last year.
Activist and member of Laboratorio Occupato Morion, Federica Toninello said, "This is about the exploitation of Venice."
"Flaunting that level of wealth is a slap in the face to people who are increasingly struggling to make ends meet and find a home in Venice."
Toninello also said activists are planning demonstrations, including marches, banners, and canal blockades.
The visit coincides with diplomatic tensions between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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