United States President, Donald Trump, has publicly criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking a sharp deterioration in what had been a close trans-Atlantic relationship.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed disappointment over Meloni’s recent policy decisions, particularly her refusal to support U.S. military efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran.
“I’m shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong,” Trump said, in a notable shift from his earlier praise of Meloni as a “great leader.”
The disagreement has intensified in recent days, driven by differing positions on the Iran conflict and Meloni’s defence of Pope Leo XIV following Trump’s criticism of the pontiff.
After Meloni described Trump’s remarks about the Pope as “unacceptable,” the U.S. president responded forcefully.
“She is the one who is unacceptable, because she does not care whether Iran has a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that such a development could pose a direct threat to Italy.
Trump further accused Italy of relying on the United States for strategic security, particularly in maintaining access through the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
The public fallout poses political challenges for Meloni, who had previously benefited from her alignment with Trump on the international stage. However, shifting public opinion in Italy—where a majority now reportedly view the U.S. president unfavourably—has complicated that relationship.
The dispute also comes at a time of domestic pressure for Meloni, including a recent setback in a referendum on judicial reform, adding further strain to Italy’s political landscape.