In a dramatic public rupture, former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing verbal assault on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, bluntly accusing her of not caring whether Iran obtains a nuclear weapon. The extraordinary criticism, delivered in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, marks a stark reversal in tone toward one of Trump's closest European allies.
A Stunning Reversal of Praise
Trump expressed profound disappointment, stating he was 'shocked' by Meloni and had expected her to demonstrate greater courage. 'I thought she had courage. I was wrong,' Trump is quoted as saying in the Italian-language article. This condemnation represents a dramatic shift from his previous accolades; just last month, Trump told the same publication that Meloni was 'a great leader.'
The White House has declined to comment on the reported statements, and Meloni's office has similarly offered no official response. The fallout threatens to undermine what was once a strategically valuable partnership for both leaders.
Core Accusations and Geopolitical Tensions
At the heart of Trump's ire are two primary issues: Iran's nuclear programme and regional energy security. Trump denounced Meloni for refusing to assist in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint currently blocked by Iran. 'They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open,' he asserted, criticising Italy's reliance on US action.
Furthermore, Trump linked Meloni's recent criticism of his comments about Pope Leo directly to the Iran issue. 'She is the one who is unacceptable, because she does not care whether Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow Italy up in two minutes if it had the chance,' Trump declared, delivering one of his most incendiary remarks on European security.
Political Repercussions and Domestic Fallout
Meloni, who was the only European leader to attend Trump's presidential inauguration in 2025, had cultivated the relationship to bolster her standing both domestically and internationally. However, this alliance now risks becoming a significant political liability. Recent polling indicates approximately 66% of Italians now hold a negative view of the US leader.
Analysts suggest Meloni's close ties to the Trump White House may have contributed to her defeat last month in a crucial national referendum on judicial reform. The geopolitical context is further complicated by the economic impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has driven up energy prices across Italy—a nation heavily dependent on imported oil and gas.
'They pay the highest energy costs in the world and are not even ready to fight for the Strait of Hormuz,' Trump remarked, highlighting the perceived disparity between Italy's economic vulnerability and its strategic commitments.
A Relationship Unraveled
The public rebuke follows Meloni's own criticism of Trump's decision to go to war with Iran and her denunciation of his weekend comments about Pope Leo as 'unacceptable.' Trump's response suggests a fundamental reassessment of their political alliance. 'She is very different from what I thought,' he concluded, signalling a profound breach in what was once a mutually supportive partnership.
This developing story underscores the volatile nature of international diplomacy under the Trump administration and raises serious questions about the future of transatlantic cooperation on critical security and energy issues. The situation continues to evolve, with significant implications for European politics and global stability.
