Protests erupted in Venice during Italy’s traditional Redentore festival following the arrival of US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta’s $450 million mega yacht ‘Boardwalk’. Around 300 demonstrators clashed with riot police on Friday evening, carrying placards reading “Venice is not for sale” and chanting anti-Trump slogans. Tensions rose as protesters tried to approach the yacht, prompting police intervention. Some threw inflatable toys at officers while criticizing the US administration through megaphones.

Fertitta, a close ally and donor of US President Donald Trump, described his private yacht tour of Italian coastal cities as part of a “coastal diplomacy” initiative marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. Many Venice residents opposed the visit, arguing that the city is increasingly turning into a luxury destination for billionaires while ordinary citizens face declining housing and public services.

Local anger intensified when the 117-meter yacht blocked traditional views of the festival’s fireworks. A labor union leader called the incident shameful and inconsistent with environmental and social sustainability. The US embassy declined to comment, while Italy’s foreign ministry said the ambassador’s program was proceeding successfully.