Donald Trump and one of his closest European allies engaged in a dramatic public exchange that has reshaped a key transatlantic relationship. The US president directed sharp criticism at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over her refusal to support American military efforts, marking a significant fracture in what had been one of his strongest international partnerships.
Donald Trump calls out Giorgia Meloni over Iran war
Donald Trump attacked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, criticizing her refusal to join US military operations against Iran, The Guardian reports. “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” Trump told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. He added, “Giorgia Meloni doesn’t want to help us in the war.”
Trump questioned Italian public opinion on Meloni’s stance regarding Iranian oil. “Do people like the fact that your president isn’t doing anything to get the oil?” he asked. He also dismissed concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “She doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes,” Trump said.
The remarks followed Meloni’s decision to suspend Italy’s defence cooperation agreement with Israel. Her government cited “the current situation” as the reason for halting the automatic renewal. Italy and Israel formally signed the defence memorandum in April 2016. The agreement was previously renewed automatically every five years.
Tensions between Rome and Washington escalated after Trump criticized Pope Leo. Meloni called Trump’s remarks about the pontiff “unacceptable.” She said she would not accept religious leaders following political direction. Trump responded by calling Meloni “the one who is unacceptable.”
Despite the diplomatic strain, Meloni described Washington as a “priority ally.” She added, “When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree.” Italy’s ambassador to Israel was also summoned by Israel’s foreign ministry recently.
Analysts suggest Meloni faces mounting domestic pressure over her alignment with Trump. Lorenzo Castellani of Rome’s Luiss University called her shift “a repositioning.” He said Meloni fears centre-right voters turning critical of the war’s economic effects.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
