Donald Trump Jr. is facing allegations of violating environmental laws in Italy after reportedly hunting rare ducks in a protected area near Venice. The accusations come from Italian Green party lawmakers, Andrea Zanoni and Luana Zanella, who have called for investigations into the incident that occurred in December 2024.
Zanoni, a member of the Veneto regional assembly, claims to have seen footage of Trump Jr. in a Natura 2000 conservation zone, where he was allegedly seen with a dead ruddy shelduck, a species that is both rare and protected under European Union regulations and Italian wildlife laws. The EU Birds Directive prohibits the killing or possession of such protected species, and violations can lead to criminal charges.
In a statement, Zanoni emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the killing of the ruddy shelduck constitutes a clear legal infraction. He pointed out that hunting in Italy is restricted to residents who possess a hunting license issued by their respective regions. Zanoni has submitted parliamentary questions to both regional and national authorities, urging them to consider sanctions against the Venatoria wildlife company involved in the hunt and to take appropriate legal action.
The controversy escalated after a now-deleted video surfaced, in which Trump Jr. can be seen in camouflage gear, holding a rifle and firing shots. In the video, he discusses the hunting experience, mentioning the presence of various duck species, including wigeon and teal, and describes the conditions of the hunt. The video was originally posted by Field Ethos, an outdoor lifestyle brand co-founded by Trump Jr.
While the video has drawn significant attention, Trump Jr. and Field Ethos have not publicly commented on the allegations. The incident has raised concerns among environmental advocates and lawmakers, who are calling for strict adherence to wildlife protection laws in Italy, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Venice lagoon.
Trump Jr. was reportedly in Venice for a vacation with his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson, during the time of the alleged hunting incident. The couple shared images from their trip on social media, showcasing their experiences in the picturesque city, including gondola rides and local cuisine.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of these allegations could have a lasting impact not only on Trump Jr.’s reputation but also on the broader conversation surrounding wildlife conservation and hunting regulations in Europe.