Trump attacks Meloni: Italy’s right opposes US president

Conflict with Meloni

Italy’s right is suddenly arguing with Trump

For a while, Donald Trump raved about Giorgia Meloni. Now he repeatedly attacks the Italian and angers her allies.

The dispute between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the US President Donald Trump continues to escalate. Now Trump has spoken out again. Meanwhile, show solidarity Italy also former Trump supporters with melons.

The trigger was a meeting at the G7 summit in Évian, France, and Trump’s subsequent statements about it. Trump had repeatedly teased Meloni and Italy in recent months. The focus was particularly on Italy’s contribution to the NATO and the lack of support in the process Strait of Hormuz.

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This week, according to the Italian government, there was a “clarifying conversation” on the sidelines of the G7 summit. A photo of both of them during a conversation was published. The “unity of the West” was said to have been reaffirmed by both, diplomatic circles reported.

But the conciliatory mood didn’t last long. Because Trump followed up. In a telephone interview with the Italian TV station La7, the US President said: “She begged me to take a photo with her.” He complied with this request because he felt sorry for her. He also said: “She’s probably glad I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.”

Meloni responded promptly in a video message on Instagram, where he stated: “Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I’m honestly stunned.” She added: “Me and Italy never beg.” She doesn’t know why the US President behaves this way towards allies.

Trump responded to this again. In an interview with NBC he said: “Meloni? You were a great supporter. But I don’t want her as a fan because neither she nor NATO were there when it came to the Strait.”

The head of government’s constant teasing is not without consequences in Italy. And so, despite previous sympathies for Trump, the entire political right is rallying behind Meloni. Giovanbattista Fazzolari, state secretary and head of communications in Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia party, found clear words for Trump, even though he had long been a supporter of the president. “Trump’s tirades against Giorgia Meloni are just the latest episode of his attacks and insults against European leaders. It is unclear whether he is deliberately or incompetently destroying the historic relationship between the United States and Europe.”