The diplomatic rift between the United States and Italy has deepened as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump following his public questioning of her political standing.
Trump, who recently claimed the Italian leader 'begged' for a photo at the G7 summit and alleged she is struggling with popularity in her home country, also criticized her government's refusal to grant the U.S. access to Italian air facilities for military operations against Iran.
Meloni dismissed the President’s remarks as 'senseless' and 'unprovoked,' asserting that her domestic popularity is not his concern. Regarding the use of Italian bases, Meloni stood firm, stating that such operations are governed by existing agreements that her administration will continue to respect, regardless of U.S. pressure.
The escalating rhetoric has already impacted bilateral relations, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceling a scheduled trip to the United States. This public spat follows a series of disagreements, including Trump’s previous controversial comments regarding the Vatican.
Despite Meloni being the only European leader to attend Trump’s January 2025 inauguration, the current friction highlights a growing divide over foreign policy and international decorum.
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