‘Love-boat diplomacy’: Trump envoy’s $450M megayacht tour angers Italians

U.S. Ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire businessman, has sparked controversy with his "love-boat diplomacy" aboard his $450 million megayacht, the Boardwalk. Fertitta, who personally funds the lavish voyage and parties, describes it as a diplomatic tour celebrating 250 years of U.S. independence and a way to avoid renovations at his Rome residence. The cruise, estimated to cost him $1 million daily, has drawn criticism in Italy, with protests in Venice and a parliamentary inquiry launched by lawmaker Angelo Bonelli into the security costs borne by Italian taxpayers, estimated at €3-4 million. Bonelli stated, "Such a display of wealth is frankly odious. In Europe, or at least here, it doesn’t work." Fertitta, however, remains unfazed, asserting that the voyage provides valuable training for Italian security forces. This situation highlights a trend under the Trump administration of appointing wealthy political donors to ambassadorial roles, raising questions about the intersection of personal wealth and diplomatic service.