'Venice Is Not For Sale': Protesters Clash With Cops As US Envoy's Arrival In Yatch Disrupts Fest

Published 19 July 2026 · world

'Venice Is Not For Sale': Protesters Clash With Cops As US Envoy's Arrival In Yatch Disrupts Fest Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 12:38

'Venice Is Not For Sale': Protesters Clash With Cops As US Envoy's Arrival In Yatch Disrupts Fest Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 12:38 IST Around 300 protesters clashed with police in Venice as US envoy Tilman Fertitta’s $450M yacht docked during the Redentore festival, sparking anger over inequality. Rapid Read Protesters clashed with police in Italy over 'coastal diplomacy' of the US Envoy Fertita. (Image source: Reuters) In Venice, around 300 protesters clashed with riot police on Friday evening. The unrest broke out as US ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta’s $450 million yacht Boardwalk docked during the annual Redentore festival. Fertitta, a close ally and donor to US President Donald Trump, is touring Italy with family and staff. He has described the trip as “coastal diplomacy" to mark America’s 250th anniversary, CNN reported. Protesters gathered with banners reading “Venice is not for sale" and slogans targeting Trump.

Police pushed back crowds trying to reach the vessel as some hurled inflatable toys and shouted through megaphones. Anger Over Inequality, Sustainability Daniele Giordano of the CGIL union called the yacht’s presence “a disgrace." He said it goes against Venice’s vision of environmental and social sustainability. Protester Emanuele Lepore said, as per the report, that residents are being pushed out of their own city. He argued Venice is losing housing, services, and public spaces while being sold to billionaires. Fertitta, worth nearly $11 billion, owns casinos, sports teams, and restaurants in the US. While he says he is funding the yacht privately, officials have not revealed the public cost of security. The yacht will stop at 13 ports through Labor Day. Plans include hosting business leaders, celebrities, and American guests under tight security. The protests echoed last year’s demonstrations during Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding celebrations in Venice.

Activist groups again mobilised supporters through social media. Redentore Festival Anger grew as the 117-metre yacht docked at a prime fireworks viewing spot. Locals said it blocked public access during one of the city’s most important festivals. The Redentore festival marks the end of the 1576 plague and draws thousands each year. It culminates in a major fireworks display over Venice’s canals. The US embassy has not commented on the protests. Italy’s Foreign Ministry, however, said the ambassador’s outreach efforts were working. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What impact do large yachts have on Venice's environment? The presence of large yachts in Venice has sparked concerns regarding environmental and social sustainability. Protesters have voiced anger over the docking of a $450 million yacht during the Redentore festival, calling it a "disgrace" and contrary to Venice's vision of sustainability.