Donald Trump Jr. Under Investigation in Italy for Allegedly Killing Protected Duck

News
Alexis N. Crockett
February 19, 2025
0
482
6 minutes read

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Prosecutors in Venice have launched a criminal investigation into Donald Trump Jr.’s hunting party following allegations related to a recent duck hunting trip, according to an Italian regional newspaper on Tuesday. The probe centers on whether Trump Jr. or his associates illegally killed a rare, protected Ruddy Shelduck during their December outing, La Nuova Venezia reported.

Public prosecutor Daniela Moroni initiated the inquiry after Venetian councilor Andrea Zanoni and various environmental groups raised concerns based on a video of Trump Jr.’s hunting trip that circulated on social media.

In the footage, a member of the group stated that Trump Jr. and his shooting partner had killed 50 ducks. Trump Jr.’s spokesman previously told CNN that he had all the necessary authorizations to hunt and pledged full cooperation with authorities.

“Don and his group had all the proper permits and were hunting in a legally allowed area, where there were countless other hunting groups present,” Andy Surabian told CNN in a statement.

Donald Trump Jr — PHOTOGRAPH: EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/GETTY IMAGES

“While it’s unclear whether this single duck was unintentionally shot by someone in Don’s hunting group, another hunting group, or killed in a different manner and retrieved by the group’s hunting dog, Don takes following all rules, regulations, and conservation on his hunts very seriously and plans on fully cooperating with any investigation,” Surabian added.

The case has drawn attention from conservationists and legal experts, as authorities assess whether protected species were unlawfully targeted during the hunting trip. As the investigation unfolds, Trump Jr. has maintained his stance that all activities were conducted within legal boundaries.