Story perspectives

Activists Block $450 M Fertitta Yacht at Venice Festival

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Activists are mobilizing to block U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta’s $450 million Boardwalk superyacht from entering Venice for the Festa del Redentore on July 17-18.
Protesters chant “Venezia non si USA,” saying the yacht highlights wealth inequality, threatens housing and jobs, and will force police to divert resources from festival safety.
Fertitta told Italian TV that he, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remain “on the same page.”

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Story summary

Activists are mobilizing to block U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta’s $450 million Boardwalk superyacht from entering Venice for the Festa del Redentore on July 17-18.
Protesters chant “Venezia non si USA,” saying the yacht highlights wealth inequality, threatens housing and jobs, and will force police to divert resources from festival safety.
Fertitta told Italian TV that he, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remain “on the same page.”