(SeaPRwire) – Relations between Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni grew strained on Tuesday after the U.S. president publicly criticized his European ally, accusing her of lacking “courage” and failing to back Washington’s initiatives against Iran.
In a telephone interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Trump described Meloni’s position as “unacceptable” and expressed his “shock” at her stance, according to the paper’s English edition.
The disagreement was further intensified by Meloni’s condemnation of Trump’s recent comments regarding Pope Leo XIV, which she labeled “unacceptable,” leading Trump to retort that “she is the one who is unacceptable.”
In a sharp critique of the Vatican’s appeal for de-escalation in the Middle East, President Trump used Truth Social to attack Pope Leo XIV. Calling the pontiff “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump advised him to “focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.” The post, which went viral, accused the first American pope of “catering to the Radical Left” at the expense of international security.
During the interview with Corriere della Sera, Trump continued his criticism of Pope Leo, asserting that the pontiff “has no idea what’s going on in Iran” and “doesn’t understand” the gravity of the situation.
Regarding Meloni, Trump remarked during the six-minute call that she “isn’t giving us any help” and reiterated his surprise at her behavior.
He went further, alleging that Meloni relies on Washington’s support while refusing to take action herself.
“They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open,” he stated, referring to international energy corridors through the Strait of Hormuz.
These remarks signify a major change in tone toward Meloni, who was present at Trump’s 2025 inauguration and was described by him as “a great leader” only weeks ago.
Neither the White House nor Meloni’s office provided an immediate response.
The public disagreement comes as Meloni distances herself from both Washington and Jerusalem due to increasing domestic and political pressure regarding the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, Meloni issued a statement confirming that Italy has halted the automatic renewal of a long-term defense cooperation pact with Israel, indicating a notable shift in relations.
“Given the current circumstances, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel,” she stated, according to Reuters.
The decision follows recent friction between Rome and Jerusalem, including incidents where Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, as well as increasing Italian criticism of Israeli military actions.
Israel downplayed the move, suggesting the agreement was primarily symbolic and “has never contained any substantive content,” Reuters reported.
In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid voiced strong criticism of the government following Italy’s announcement.
“Italy’s decision to suspend the defense cooperation agreement with Israel is another embarrassing failure of the prime minister and the non-existent foreign minister,” Lapid posted on X.
“Meloni is not a left-wing progressive European leader,” he added. “She belongs to the conservative right and understands the need to fight terrorism.”
Analysts suggest Meloni’s shift indicates a broader political realignment, as the economic impact of the war—specifically rising energy prices—affects Italy’s import-reliant economy and public sentiment.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supported Meloni, affirming Italy’s partnership with the United States while stressing that cooperation must be based on “loyalty, respect and mutual frankness.”
The rising tensions underscore growing divisions within Western alliances as the U.S.-led standoff with Iran impacts Europe, forcing leaders like Meloni to navigate between strategic ties and domestic political needs.
The Israel Defense Ministry declined to provide a comment.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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