In a striking public rebuke, President Donald Trump has turned on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his closest European allies, expressing profound disappointment in her response to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump's comments, made in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, reveal a dramatic change in tone towards a leader he once praised as "a great leader."
A Sudden Shift in Alliance
Trump's criticism marks a significant departure from his previous support for Meloni, who was the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 2025. In the interview, Trump stated that Meloni was "very different from what I thought" and denounced her for refusing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran amid the war. "I'm shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong," Trump is quoted as saying, highlighting his frustration with Italy's stance on energy security.
Escalating Tensions Over Iran and Pope Leo
The rift has been exacerbated by Meloni's criticism of Trump's decision to go to war with Iran and her denunciation of his weekend comments about Pope Leo as "unacceptable." Trump retaliated by accusing Meloni of failing to back U.S. efforts over energy security and Iran, asserting that Italy wants America "to do the job for her." When asked about her condemnation of his remarks on Pope Leo, Trump argued, "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."
Political Repercussions for Meloni
Meloni had hoped that her close relationship with the U.S. president would bolster her standing both domestically and internationally. However, this alliance now risks becoming a political liability. Recent polling indicates that approximately 66% of Italians hold a negative view of Trump, and analysts suggest that Meloni's ties to the White House may have contributed to her defeat last month in a referendum on judicial reform. The war in Iran has further strained Italy's economy, pushing up energy prices in a country heavily reliant on oil and gas imports.
Energy Costs and Strategic Dependence
Trump pointedly criticised Italy's energy strategy, noting, "They (Italy) pay the highest energy costs in the world and are not even ready to fight for the Strait of Hormuz... They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open." This underscores the broader geopolitical tensions, as Italy's dependence on U.S. support for energy security clashes with its domestic political pressures and public opinion.
Both the White House and Meloni's office have declined to comment on the reported quotes, leaving the future of this transatlantic relationship uncertain. The situation highlights the fragile nature of international alliances in the face of escalating conflicts and divergent national interests.
