Donald Trump has launched an unusually direct criticism of Giorgia Meloni, signaling a clear break from their previously friendly relationship. In a phone interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed disappointment with Meloni’s stance on military and energy cooperation, stating he was “shocked” by her refusal to support certain US war-related initiatives.
Trump questioned Italy’s position on energy security and suggested the country was failing to secure oil supplies, while also criticizing Rome’s approach to transatlantic cooperation. His comments marked a dramatic shift from just a month earlier, when he described Meloni as a trusted ally and praised her leadership.
Military Base Dispute and NATO Concerns Add Tension
Tensions between Washington and Rome had already increased after Italy refused the use of the Naval Air Station Sigonella for combat flights linked to operations involving Iran. Trump also accused Meloni of failing to support NATO priorities, including cooperation on nuclear disarmament efforts.
The dispute comes at a politically sensitive moment, as Meloni recently condemned Trump’s controversial public remarks about Pope Leo, calling them unacceptable.
Political Reactions Highlight Risks and Opportunities
Opposition figures, including former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, argued that Trump’s criticism demonstrates Meloni’s growing isolation on the global stage. However, some analysts believe the situation could strengthen her domestic position by allowing her to emphasize national sovereignty and independence from US influence.
Political observers, such as Lorenzo Castellani at Luiss University, suggest that distancing from Trump could align Meloni more closely with shifting public opinion in Italy, where close ties to the former US leader have become less popular among voters.
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