U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta Faces Mixed Reactions Over $450 Million Yacht

<figure><img alt="tilman fertitta" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/SMQE26H5GREOPAUQBGBMCUCKMQ.JPG?auth=85d311f905b0346026263139fa3a39d5a420c9f42dfcff0d6c164df4dfe2213e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2073&amp;height=1166" /><figcaption>Mario Anzuoni / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Tilman Fertitta, the U.S. ambassador to Italy and owner of Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos, is attracting attention in Italy with his $450 million megayacht. Fertitta was appointed by Donald Trump at the beginning of his second term.</p><p>His yacht, named Boardwalk, measures 383 feet and includes amenities such as two helipads, two pools, a spa, a gym, and a scuba room. Fertitta has hosted events on the yacht as part of a "Coastal Diplomatic Tour" aimed at engaging influential figures in Italy.</p><p>Upon arriving in Italy last year, Fertitta reportedly spent over $2 million of his own funds to renovate Villa Taverna, the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Rome. He estimates that the ongoing coastal tour will cost him an additional $1 million.</p><p>Fertitta, whose net worth exceeds $11 billion according to Forbes, has received both praise and criticism for his approach to diplomacy, which some describe as a "Love Boat" style. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto noted Fertitta's connection to Italy and his relationship with Trump as assets in his role.</p><p>However, some critics, including former U.S. ambassador Barbara Bodine, have expressed concerns about the appropriateness of Fertitta's display of wealth in his diplomatic role. Italian lawmaker Angelo Bonelli also criticized the ostentatious nature of Fertitta's lifestyle, stating that it is "frankly odious" and does not resonate well in Italy.</p><p>During a recent visit to Venice, Fertitta faced protests where demonstrators chanted against billionaires and asserted that "Venice is not the United States." Despite this, Fertitta maintains that many Italians appreciate his presence and the grandeur he brings to diplomatic engagements.</p><p>“You have an ambassador that has cachet, and the Italians like that,” Fertitta stated. “They like that [they’re] important enough to us that you’re going to come into our town, on your big boat, and pay respect to us and have us in your home. That’s what I hear from people.”</p>