US EditionTrump turns on Meloni, says he is 'shocked' by Italian leader
Trump said Meloni lacks courage and is failing to back U.S. efforts on Iran, as tensions spread from the pope dispute to NATO and energy policy.
- 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.
135 Articles
135 Articles
Trump expands Iran fight to Italy PM Meloni after NATO, Pope Leo spats
The US president has widened his attacks amid escalating tensions with Iran. After lashing out at NATO and Pope Leo XIV, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni - one of his close allies - is now facing criticism. Trump called her out over Iran, saying she lacked courage for not joining the US in ...
In the dispute over the Iran conflict Donald Trump exacerbates the attacks on Giorgia Meloni. He accuses the Italian head of government of inaction and thus creates new tensions between Rome and Washington.
The Italian Prime Minister engages with Trump and revokes a defense agreement with Israel, while Macron and Starmer seek their own solution to the Ormuz crisis outside the U.S. stance. More information: Trump breaks with Meloni, their great ally in Europe for their confrontation with the Pope and Iran: "The unacceptable is her"
Trump slams Meloni over pope, Iran
US President Donald Trump criticized Italy’s prime minister — ostensibly one of his stronger European allies — after she condemned his attack on the pope. The US leader said Giorgia Meloni lacked “courage” for failing to join his war against Iran; Italy is among several European nations that have sat out the conflict, and on Tuesday declined to renew a defense pact with Israel. Trump’s latest remarks point to a widening transatlantic rift: He ha…
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