Donald Trump Jr. is facing mounting allegations over illegal hunting activities conducted during his recent trip to Italy, sparking outrage among environmentalists and local politicians. The controversy stems from footage published by Field Ethos—a lifestyle publication co-founded by Trump Jr.—which shows him hunting waterfowl, including the protected Ruddy Shelduck, within the confines of the Venice lagoon.
Andrea Zanoni, the Regional Councillor for the Green Europe party, announced to ANSA on Tuesday he has filed a formal complaint with the forestry Carabinieri police. Zanoni claims the video, reportedly shot last December, captures Trump Jr. engaging in illegal hunting practices within the Campagna Lupia area. According to Zanoni, hunting protected species constitutes both criminal and administrative violations under Italian law.
"Were these limits respected? Not according to the images," Zanoni stated, stressing the need for regulatory compliance. The allegations assert Trump Jr. lacked the required residence status to obtain a hunting permit, as hunting licenses are strictly personal under Italian legislation. The region also imposes specific hunting calendars for different species, adding another layer of regulatory complexity to the case.
The controversial footage, lasting nearly six minutes, features Trump Jr. and several companions camouflaged and poised to shoot. They are shown shooting at ducks, with Trump Jr. displaying one amber-colored duck and remarking, "Is this a rather uncommon bird for the area? I'm not even sure what it is." His comments have only deepened the scrutiny surrounding his actions, as environmentalists highlight the rarity and protected status of the species he allegedly killed.
The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), prominently featured on camera, is classified under the EU Birds Directive as a protected species. Zanoni emphasized this, accusing Trump Jr. of hunting without the necessary license and within environmentally protected areas, such as the Pierimpie' valley near Venice. "Veneto and Italy are not the property of the USA," he declared, calling for appropriate legal action against the alleged infractions.
Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto has commented on the allegations, stating he is awaiting detailed reports on the incident to ascertain its facts. The public outcry surrounding Trump Jr.'s hunting escapade has fueled demands for serious repercussions, including inquiry by the Italian Ministry of the Environment. Luana Zanella, another Italian MP, has escalated the concerns to Minister Pichetto, demanding accountability for the shooting of protected species.
Monica Sambo, representing the Democratic Party of Venice, condemned Trump Jr.'s actions, labeling them "very serious" and wholly unacceptable. “Protected species are being killed in the Venice lagoon, a protected environment,” she emphasized, insisting the law should apply equally to everyone, regardless of status.
Political backlash has surged through Italy, with critics describing the incident as symptomatic of broader issues related to hunting regulations and environmental conservation. Zanoni noted the need for sanctions against the hunting entity involved and questioned whether those responsible for any violations would face the appropriate disciplinary actions.
Trump Jr.'s trip to Venice included not only the contentious hunting expedition but also leisurely moments with his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson, who shared images of their time on social media, including picturesque gondola rides. Despite the burgeoning controversy, it remains to be seen whether these allegations will have broader repercussions for Trump Jr. or affect the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's supportive stance toward Donald Trump.
Italy’s strict hunting regulations, particularly those related to protected species, have united environmentalists and political factions. This incident has highlighted the gap between hunting laws and enforcement, with activists advocating for more stringent safeguards for wildlife and greater accountability for offenders.
Given the serious nature of these allegations, calls for justice echo through the corridors of power as Zanoni and other politicians demand swift regulatory action. If proven accurate, this situation could represent not only a legal breach but also broader failures to protect vulnerable wildlife. The eyes of both local and international communities remain fixed on the developments of this controversial hunting practice.