- US President Donald Trump says his relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "soured" over disagreements about Iran and that she "made a mistake." But he added that "I like her" and she's "a nice person."
- Trump on Tuesday again blamed Meloni for refusing to support Washington during the Iran conflict, stating that the decision had strained their relationship despite describing her as a "nice person."
- "She refused to get involved, so it soured my relationship with her a little bit. But I like her. I think she's a nice person, actually. But I think she made a mistake," Trump told reporters.
- Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in 2025, reinforcing perceptions that Rome could serve as Washington's closest ally in Europe.
- The first signs of tension emerged after Trump criticised Pope Leo for condemning the Iran war, with Meloni defending the pontiff's position, prompting fresh criticism from the US president.
- In March, Italy denied permission for US military aircraft to land at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily before flying to the Middle East, stating that Washington had not obtained the required authorisation from Rome.
- The latest diplomatic tension intensified after Trump posted a doctored image of Meloni on Truth Social, showing her looking up at Trump with the caption: "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED."
- Meloni firmly rejected the allegation, stating, "Italy and I never beg," in response to Trump's comments.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Rome would not respond to every provocative comment made by Trump, emphasizing that they have decided to stop responding to these remarks.
- A source close to Meloni indicated that there was never any question of avoiding Trump during the summit, as the Italian leader knew how to handle such situations and would greet the US president "with a smile."
Former President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over his relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stating it has "soured" due to her refusal to support the U.S. during the Iran conflict. Trump remarked, "She made a mistake" by not getting involved, despite calling her a "nice person."14
Tensions between the two leaders have escalated, particularly after Trump criticized Pope Leo for condemning the Iran war, which Meloni defended. This criticism led to further strain, as Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in 2025, highlighting her previous support for him.5
In March, Italy denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, citing a lack of authorization from Rome, which added to the diplomatic friction. Recently, Trump posted a doctored image of Meloni on social media, further complicating their relationship. Meloni responded firmly, stating, "Italy and I never beg," while her Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that Rome would not engage with Trump's provocations, asserting, "We have decided to stop responding to these remarks."6789
Despite the public disagreements, a source close to Meloni indicated that she would maintain a cordial demeanor towards Trump, knowing how to navigate the complexities of their diplomatic ties.
“Meloni defended Pope Leo's condemnation of the Iran war, prompting fresh criticism from Trump. Italy later denied US aircraft access to Sigonella base; Trump also posted a doctored image of Meloni with a caption referencing a restraining order.”
