Trump and Meloni Trade Sharp Words as Transatlantic Ties Strain

A previously warm relationship between former US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rapidly deteriorated across multiple policy areas, following Italy's suspension of a defense cooperation agreement with Israel and Meloni's defense of Pope Leo XIV from Trump's criticism.

Disagreement Over Iran Policy and Defense Cooperation

Trump's Criticism

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published on Tuesday, Trump sharply criticized Meloni for what he described as insufficient support for US actions against Iran.

"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong."

Trump also stated: "Giorgia Meloni doesn't want to help us in the war. I'm shocked."

He went further, arguing: "She is the one who is unacceptable, because she doesn't care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance."

Italy's Defense Agreement Suspension

The criticism followed the Italian government's announcement that it would suspend the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel. Meloni described the suspension as being made "in light of the current situation."

Background on the agreement:

• Italy and Israel began expanding defense ties in 2003 through arms deals, technology sharing, and joint industrial projects.
• A formal defense cooperation memorandum was signed in April 2016, providing a framework for military exchanges and technological collaboration.
• The agreement had previously been renewed automatically every five years.
• The agreement was first enacted in 2006 under former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and covered procurement, training, and the import, export, and transit of defense and military equipment.

This marks the first time Meloni's government has intervened directly to halt the agreement.

Diplomatic Incidents

The suspension followed specific diplomatic incidents:

• Italy's ambassador to Israel was summoned by Israel's foreign ministry after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israeli air raids during a visit to Lebanon.
• Days earlier, Tajani had summoned the Israeli ambassador after Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

Meloni's Response

Meloni described Washington as a "priority ally" but stated:

"When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree."

Other Reported Italian Actions

Italy also denied US planes permission to land at a Sicilian air base, according to multiple reports.

Disagreement Over Comments on Pope Leo XIV

Trump's Comments on the Pope

In the same interview with Corriere della Sera, Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, stating he did not think the pontiff was "doing a very good job" and suggesting he should "stop catering to the radical left."

In subsequent reports, Trump further stated that the pope "doesn't understand and shouldn't be talking about war, because he has no idea what's happening" regarding Iran's nuclear threat.

Italian Government Response

Meloni called Trump's remarks about the pope "unacceptable" and stated she would not feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders were expected to follow political leaders.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on social media platform X:

"Until today, President Trump considered Giorgia Meloni a courageous person. He was not mistaken because she is a woman who never shies away from saying what she thinks. And on Pope Leo XIV, she said exactly what all of us Italian citizens think."

G7 Photo Dispute

Trump's Claim

In an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, Trump claimed that Meloni "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit in France. He stated: "She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I could have skipped it, but I felt sorry for her."

In a subsequent social media post, Trump wrote that Meloni asked "over and over" for a photograph. He stated that she is "doing poorly in Italy ... possibly because she turned down the United States ... when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon."

Meloni's Denial

Meloni denied the claim, stating in a video on Instagram that the story was "totally invented." She said:

"I and Italy never beg."

She expressed being "stunned" by the remarks.

In response to subsequent posts, Meloni stated: "President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done."

Diplomatic Fallout

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the United States, stating that Trump's alleged comments "offend the whole of Italy."

Broader Political Context

Domestic Italian Politics

Italy's government recently experienced defeat in a justice referendum. Some analysts described the outcome as a broader vote of no confidence in Meloni's leadership.

Meloni has faced criticism from segments of her electorate over her alignment with Trump and her approach to Israel's actions.

Economic Considerations

Concerns have been reported about disruptions to global energy supplies and rising diesel prices, attributed in part to the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The war has increased energy prices in Italy, which relies heavily on oil and gas imports.

Public Opinion

According to polling data cited in multiple reports:

• Approximately two-thirds of Italian voters oppose the US decision to go to war with Iran.
• Trump is reported to be unpopular among Italian voters.

Analyst Observations

Political historian Lorenzo Castellani of Rome's Luiss University suggested that Meloni may be repositioning due to concerns about criticism from portions of the electorate regarding her alignment with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the economic effects of the conflict.

Analysts cited by Reuters suggested the referendum outcome represented a broader vote of no confidence in Meloni's leadership.

US Relations With Other European Allies

Trump has made critical statements about other European allies in recent months. He previously referred to NATO as a "paper tiger" and threatened consequences for countries such as Spain, including potential troop withdrawals. He has accused allies including the UK of not "stepping up" and stated that countries unwilling to support Washington should "go get your own oil."