International🌐 Available in EnglishAugust 30, 2026

Trump’s ambassador in Italy conducts ‘Love Boat’ diplomacy on his mega yacht

Trump’s ambassador in Italy conducts ‘Love Boat’ diplomacy on his mega yacht
Washington Post
Washington Post
Washington Post
Original Source

Tilman Fertitta, the Texas billionaire serving as U.S. Ambassador to Rome, is conducting an unconventional diplomacy campaign aboard his 383-foot mega yacht, the Boardwalk, touring Italy's political circles and sparking controversy. With a net worth of $11.1 billion and Sicilian immigrant roots, Fertitta is among the wealthiest individuals ever appointed to the ambassadorial post.

Trump’s ambassador to Italy is flaunting his wealth, and it’s dividing Italians - The Washington Post

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Trump’s ambassador to Italy is flaunting his wealth, and it’s dividing Italians

With a net worth of $11.1 billion, Tilman Fertitta, a great grandson of Sicilian immigrants, is one of the wealthiest people ever to be a U.S. ambassador.

16 minutes ago

10 min

*The Boardwalk, Tilman Fertitta's yacht, is moored in Bari, Italy. (Claudia Gori/For The Washington Post)*

10 min

By

Anthony Faiola

BARI, Italy — President Donald Trump may be on the outs with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, his onetime pal. But whether in the Bay of Naples, the isles of Venice or the southern port town of Bari, Tilman Fertitta, the Texas billionaire who serves as the U.S. ambassador to Rome, is singing a siren song to Italy’s political classes aboard his 383-foot mega yacht, the Boardwalk.

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What readers are saying

The comments express strong criticism of the appointment of a wealthy individual as a U.S. ambassador, highlighting concerns about qualifications, the influence of wealth in politics, and the perceived vulgarity and lack of taste associated with the individual. Many commenters... Show more

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Tags:#إيطاليا#السفارة الأمريكية#الدبلوماسية#ترامب#الثروة#الفساد السياسي

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