Trump said he was disappointed in Meloni, arguing that Italy relies on the United States without making its own meaningful contribution toward countering the Iranian nuclear threat.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an interview with Corriere della Sera, accusing her of failing to cooperate on key issues, including energy, NATO, and efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump said he was disappointed in Meloni and argued that Italy relies on the United States without contributing enough.
“(Do you Italians) like the fact that your president is doing nothing to get oil? Do people like it? I can’t imagine. I’m shocked by her. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong,” he said.
He continued his criticism of Italy’s leadership, adding: “She thinks America should do the work for her.”
The remarks mark a shift in Trump’s tone toward Meloni, whom he described a month ago as a friend and a strong leader who “always tries to help.”
Trump also broadened his criticism to Italy more generally, saying, “She is no longer the same person, and Italy will never be the same country again. Immigration is killing Italy and all of Europe.”
The comments come after Meloni criticized the president over his remarks about Pope Leo regarding the Iran war. “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, dismissing the pontiff’s criticism as selective and unfair.
In response, Meloni described Trump’s statements as “unacceptable” in the interview.
Trump then said: “It’s her who’s unacceptable, because she doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance.”
Trump reiterated his criticism of the pontiff, accusing him of misunderstanding the situation in Iran.
“He doesn’t understand, he knows nothing about what’s happening in Iran,” Trump said.
The exchange reflects tensions between Trump and both Meloni and Pope Leo over policy differences related to Iran, energy, and broader geopolitical issues.
Trump’s remarks focused in part on cooperation among allies on addressing Iran’s nuclear program and regional security concerns, while also highlighting disagreements over immigration and energy policy.
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