Trump's eldest son faces local political backlash for 'illegal hunting' in Italy

Violation of Hunting Ban for Non-Residents
Local Politicians Point Out "Subject to Criminal Penalties"

A video showing Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, hunting rare ducks in a lake in Venice, Italy, has been released, sparking controversy.

The area is designated as a protected zone by the European Union (EU). Additionally, hunting by non-residents is prohibited in Italy.

According to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera on the 4th (local time), a video of Trump Jr. holding a gun and hunting was recently posted on the U.S. hunting specialty website 'Field Ethos.' In the video, Trump Jr. pointed to the ducks he caught, including mallards, and explained about them.

Andrea Zanoni, a member of the Veneto Regional Council from the European Parliament Green Party, stated, "Trump Jr. went hunting with friends while vacationing with his new girlfriend in Venice, Italy, last December," adding, "The hunting location is presumed to be Valle Pirimpiero in Campagna Lupia near Venice."

Local politicians strongly criticized such actions, calling them "subject to criminal punishment." Councilor Zanoni pointed out that the hunters, including Trump Jr., hunted mallards designated as protected species under the EU Birds Directive and Italian law, which is subject to criminal penalties.

He also emphasized, "This area is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated as a protected zone under 'Natura 2000,' created by the EU for biodiversity conservation," adding, "Hunting protected species here is legally prohibited."

He cited the fact that the hunting was conducted illegally without a hunting license in Italy as another problem. Councilor Zanoni criticized, "In Italy, only local residents can hunt, and a hunting license and a permit issued by the police department are mandatory," adding, "Veneto and Italy are not private property of the United States."

Monica Sambo, a Venice city councilor from the main opposition Democratic Party (PD), also stated, "Hunting protected species is a very serious matter," and pointed out, "If Trump Jr.'s charges are confirmed, he should be punished according to the same legal procedures as others."