Donald Trump Jr. Responds to Accusations of Killing Protected Duck
February 4, 2025
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Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, has been accused of killing a protected duck while hunting in the Venice Lagoon in Italy.
Trump Jr., and avid hunter, is facing accusations of violating Italian and European Union environmental protection laws after allegedly shooting a rare ruddy shelduck during a hunting trip in December 2024.
Why It Matters
Fury erupted among environmental activists in Italy on Monday after they obtained a video showing Donald Trump Jr. and a group of hunters shooting ducks in the Venice Lagoon.
The clip, which has resurfaced on social media, shows Trump Jr. crouched in tall grass beside a pile of dead ducks, describing his prey.
While hunting is legal in Italy, it is strictly regulated, with specific rules on protected species and hunting permits, especially for non-residents.
What To Know
Footage published by Field Ethos—a brand co-founded by Trump Jr.—shows him shooting ducks in the Venice Lagoon. In the video, Trump Jr. points out an orange duck, remarking, “This is actually a rather uncommon duck for the area, not even sure what it is in English, but incredible shoot.”
Andrea Zanoni, a regional councilor in Veneto, said the footage shows Trump Jr. with the body of a rare ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), a species protected by Italian law.
“This is a species protected throughout Europe by the EU Birds Directive and, of course, by Italian law, which criminally punishes its killing and possession,” he said. “Veneto and Italy are not the property of the USA,” he added in a Facebook post.
Hunting in Italy is legal but strictly regulated, with specific rules regarding protected species and hunting permits, especially for non-residents. Zanoni, along with Luana Zanella, a national parliamentarian from the Green Party, has filed parliamentary questions urging Italian authorities to investigate the matter.
Andy Surabian, a spokesperson for Trump Jr., defended the hunting trip, stating that the group had all the necessary permits and hunted in a legally designated area. “Don takes following all rules, regulations, and conservation on his hunts very seriously and plans on fully cooperating with any investigation,” Surabian said in a statement to Newsweek.
Two Italian Green lawmakers accused Donald Trump Jr. of illegally hunting a protected bird in the Venice Lagoon and called on authorities to investigate. Two Italian Green lawmakers accused Donald Trump Jr. of illegally hunting a protected bird in the Venice Lagoon and called on authorities to investigate. X
Surabian also said Trump Jr. was not responsible for the duck, noting it was unclear if it was accidentally shot by someone in his group, another hunting party, or killed elsewhere and retrieved by a hunting dog.
Despite claims of legal compliance, Italian lawmakers launched an inquiry because Trump Jr. had the duck among his quarry. Zanoni argued that as a non-resident, Trump Jr. may not have been authorized to hunt in Italy. “Trump Jr. in Italy would not be allowed to hunt,” Zanoni asserted.
Under Italian law, anyone who kills, captures, or possesses protected birds can face up to eight months in jail or a fine of more than $2,000. While the outcome of any legal action remains unclear, lawmakers are demanding answers due to Trump Jr.’s public profile and alleged ties to the Italian government led by Giorgia Meloni.
What People Are Saying:
Three lawmakers from Italy’s populist Five Star Movement wrote in a statement: “The Meloni government’s good relationship with the Trump administration cannot in any way transform our country into the personal garden of the U.S. President.”
Luana Zanella, a lawmaker in Italy’s parliament, said on Tuesday: “It is morally despicable. And it’s a crime.”
Italy’s Environment Minister, Gilberto Pichetto, commented on the alleged violation: “I am waiting for a report to know more and have all the information.”
What Happens Next
Two politicians filed official queries on the matter: Andrea Zanoni to the president of the Veneto region and Luana Zanella to Italy’s justice minister, foreign minister, and environment minister.
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