Understanding the Costs of Maintaining a Seized Megayacht
Nearly all Americans pay taxes, yet a surprising number are unaware of how those funds are allocated. One eye-opening revelation came from TikTok account Waldman Media, which highlighted a little-known story about taxpayer dollars going toward an extravagant asset: a megayacht seized from a Russian oligarch.
The Megayacht: A Glimpse of Luxury
In early 2025, Waldman Media shared a striking video featuring Amadea, a 348-foot, $250 million megayacht docked in San Diego. The cost for taxpayers to maintain this luxury vessel? A staggering $922,000 per month.
The Seizure of Amadea
The megayacht was seized from the ownership of Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov in 2022, following sanctions imposed due to geopolitical tensions. U.S. authorities, having legally confiscated the yacht from Fijian officials, brought it back to American shores where the legal process for forfeiture began. This lengthy process sought to assert permanent U.S. ownership before it could be put up for auction.
Taxpayer Dollars at Work
While the judicial process unfolded, Amadea remained docked in San Diego Harbor, leading to tens of millions of taxpayer dollars being used to maintain it. According to a press release from the Department of Justice, the yacht’s legal troubles meant it was effectively in limbo—on hold until federal courts decided its fate.
The Costs of Care
Waldman Media provided a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in maintaining Amadea during this period. Even basic upkeep for a vessel of this luxury status is extraordinarily high:
- Maintenance Costs: Approximately $600,000 per month
- Insurance: Around $144,000 monthly
- Docking Fees: About $178,000 per month
When totaled, this leads to an annual expense exceeding $11 million for the taxpayers, culminating in a near $30 million bill over three years as it lingered in the harbor.
Environmental Considerations
In addition to the significant financial implications, there are environmental concerns tied to such luxury vessels. Megayachts contribute a hefty amount of carbon pollution, churning out over 22,000 metric tons of carbon annually—a figure that surpasses the emissions of some small countries.
Public Sentiment
Unsurprisingly, public opinion on this matter has sparked controversy. Many TikTok users voiced their frustration. Comments ranged from indignation, such as one user questioning, “Why am I helping to pay for a yacht that I’ll never get to go on?” to suggestions of accessibility: “If the taxpayer is paying for it, they should be allowed to use it.”
Taxpayer Responsibility
As taxpayers, Americans have a vested interest in understanding where their money goes, especially when funding such exorbitant costs. The situation raises important questions about government expenditure, asset management, and the balance between law enforcement and fiscal responsibility.
This scenario serves as a reminder of the complexity of public funding and the unexpected ways in which taxpayer dollars can be utilized. As more details come to light, the conversation around fiscal transparency and sensible governance continues to evolve.