Tilman Fertitta arrives in Venice aboard a luxury superyacht to face protests from rioters during a coastal diplomacy tour.
Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire U.S. ambassador to Italy, arrived in Venice on Friday aboard his 384-foot luxury superyacht, Boardwalk. The visit is part of a "Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy" tour celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The administration announced that Fertitta is personally funding the journey to highlight the economic and cultural bonds between the U.S. and Italy. Several hundred rioters gathered in the historic center to protest the ambassador's arrival, which many viewed as an arrogant display of American wealth. The rioters briefly clashed with riot police, who used shields to manage the crowd as demonstrators carried signs criticizing the "oligarch" and the high cost of tourism. Many rioters also expressed opposition to the international politics of the administration, specifically citing the impact of the war in Iran on energy prices. Despite the protests, Fertitta noted that the tour serves as an important way to celebrate shared history and the fundamental right to peaceful protest.