Venice Protests Greet U.S. Ambassador Fertitta's Arrival On Superyacht

By Manuel Silvestri

VENICE, July 17 (Reuters) – A few hundred people in Venice protested on Friday against U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta as he arrived in the lagoon city aboard his superyacht, drawing criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies.

Activists also objected to the heightened security measures put in place by local authorities as Venice prepares for one of its most important festivals.

Fertitta, a billionaire businessman appointed by Trump, is touring the Italian peninsula aboard his 117-meter (384-foot) yacht, Boardwalk, on a “Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Tour” marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Around 300 people gathered