Donald Trump criticizes European ally Meloni for declining to support the Iran war and for defending Pope Leo XIV, prompting an uncommon consensus among Italian parties.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump issued sharp reproaches toward Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a key European ally, due to her refusal to participate in the conflict against Iran.

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«I am taken aback by her stance. I believed she was brave, but I was mistaken,» he expressed during an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

This interview was released one day after Meloni condemned Trump’s remarks on Pope Leo XIV as «unacceptable,» following the pontiff’s repeated appeals to end US involvement in Iran.

«Her position is unacceptable because she disregards that Iran possesses nuclear weapons and would destroy Italy within two minutes if given the chance,» Trump stated in English.

Since October 2022, Meloni has held the role of Italy’s conservative leader and has consistently been one of Trump’s closest European allies, often acting to bridge differing US and European perspectives.

However, the president noted that they have not communicated this month, «not for a long time,» adding: «She offers no assistance to us concerning NATO.»

«She resists efforts to eliminate a nuclear-armed Iran. It’s truly disappointing… She is very different from what I had assumed.»

He characterized the NATO military alliance as a «paper tiger» and criticized Europe broadly for its lack of willingness to defend the Hormuz Strait, the source of their energy supplies.

Trump also remarked that Meloni is «not the same individual anymore. Italy is transforming. Immigration is causing significant challenges in Italy and across Europe.»

Support for Meloni swiftly emerged from her allies and rivals alike.

«We continue to be firm supporters of Western solidarity and reliable allies of the United States, though this unity depends on shared loyalty, respect, and honesty,» declared Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X.

He added that until recently, Trump regarded Meloni as courageous, which «was an accurate view, for she is a woman who never hesitates to voice her opinions.»

«Regarding Pope Leo XIV, she expressed precisely what all Italians think. The prime minister and her government defend solely and exclusively Italy’s interests,» Tajani affirmed.

Elly Schlein, who leads the centre-left Democratic Party, condemned Trump’s «grave disrespect.»

«Our constitution clearly states — Italy renounces war,» she asserted in parliament.