US EditionTrump turns on Meloni, says he is 'shocked' by Italian leader
Trump said Meloni was wrong to oppose U.S. efforts on Iran and NATO, deepening a rift after her criticism of his remarks on Pope Leo XIV.
- On Tuesday, President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an interview with Corriere della Sera, calling her "unacceptable" over her refusal to support military operations against Iran.
- The conflict stems from Meloni's refusal to allow US use of a Sicilian air base for combat operations, fueling Trump's frustration over perceived lack of support for military strikes on Iran and NATO operations.
- Trump told Corriere that Meloni "doesn't care if Iran has a nuclear weapon" and would let it "blow Italy to smithereens in two minutes." On Sunday, Trump had attacked Pope Leo XIV as "WEAK on crime," prompting Meloni to defend the pontiff's anti-war stance.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani responded that Italy remains a steadfast ally but emphasized unity requires "mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty." Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein condemned the US President's "serious lack of respect" in parliament.
- Recent polls show President Donald Trump is deeply unpopular among Italian voters, and Meloni's alignment with him is believed to have contributed to her referendum defeat last month, complicating her political standing.
105 Articles
105 Articles
Trump Turns on Italy’s Prime Minister, Once a Close Ally, After She Defended the Pope
President Donald Trump criticized his close ally, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, after she defended the pope's comments on Trump and the Iran war. Alessandra Tarantino/APPresident Donald Trump went after one of his closest European allies on Tuesday, criticizing Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for defending the pope and not supporting Trump’s efforts against Iran.“Do Italians like the fact that your prime minister isn’t giving us any help…
Donald Trump Accuses Meloni Of 'Lacking Courage' Over Iran, Straining US-Italy Alliance
A transatlantic alliance once defined by ideological alignment is now playing out as an openly personal feud, after Donald Trump accused Giorgia Meloni of 'lacking courage' over Iran and laid bare deepening divisions between Washington and Rome. The dispute, which unfolded on 14 April 2026, centres on Italy's refusal to support US military action against Iran, alongside broader disagreements spanning religion, defence policy and geopolitical str…
‘Not the Same Person Anymore’ – Trump Hits Back After Italy’s Meloni Defended Pope
In an interview with Italian media, US President Donald Trump lashed out at the Italian prime minister in a rare criticism following the latter’s defense of the Pope against Trump’s earlier remarks.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
