Hundreds of protesters clashed with riot police in Venice as billionaire American ambassador Tilman Fertitta arrived aboard his luxury yacht, the Boardwalk, during a diplomatic tour marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.Demonstrators criticized the display of U.S.wealth and influence, arguing it undermines Italy's post-WWII international order under the Trump administration.

Protesters carried signs like 'Venezia non si USA' (Venice is not to be used) and 'Make America Read Again,' while clashing with police near the yacht.Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets and a hospitality mogul, defended the tour as celebrating U.S.-Italy ties but faced backlash over his $11.3 billion net worth and perceived arrogance.Activists linked the event to broader criticism of Trump's foreign policies, including strikes on Iran that they claim spiked energy prices.The yacht, which dwarfed Venice's skyline, drew outrage for its size and symbolism of global power dynamics.