U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of lacking courage for not supporting U.S. efforts against Iran in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, according to multiple reports.
Key Takeaways
President Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not supporting U.S. efforts against Iran, marking a shift in their previously close relationship. Meloni had distanced herself from Trump after his criticism of Pope Leo XIV and has since suspended Italy’s military cooperation pact with Israel due to rising tensions and economic strain.
The comments mark a significant shift in their previously close relationship. Meloni had been a vocal supporter of Trump but distanced herself after he criticized Pope Leo XIV and went to war with Iran. In response, Meloni called Trump's verbal attack on the pope 'unacceptable'.
Trump accused Meloni of refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran, and failing to back U.S. efforts to tackle Iran’s nuclear program. He also criticized her for not supporting military operations in Iran from an Italian airbase in Sicily.
The White House declined to comment on Trump's reported quotes. Meloni's office also declined to comment, but politicians of all stripes rallied to her defense, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who applauded Meloni for denouncing Trump's attack on the pope.
Meloni suspended Italy’s military cooperation pact with Israel amid rising tensions and economic strain caused by the U.S.-Israeli war in the Gulf. The conflict has led to surging energy costs and is unpopular with Italians, putting Meloni on a collision course with Trump.
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