Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp public attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking a dramatic deterioration in relations between the two leaders.
The criticism follows Meloni’s condemnation of Trump’s remarks about Pope Leo XIV and her opposition to the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump: “I Was Wrong About Her”
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Trump said he was “shocked” by Meloni’s stance and accused her of lacking courage.
“I thought she had courage. I was wrong,” he said, adding that she was “very different from what I thought.”
He also accused the Italian leader of failing to support US efforts on energy security and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping corridor disrupted by the conflict.
Clash Over the Pope and War in Iran
The dispute intensified after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” following the pontiff’s calls for peace and opposition to the Iran war.
Trump further sparked outrage by posting an AI-generated image of himself depicted as a Christ-like figure on social media.
Meloni responded by defending the Pope, saying it was “right and normal” for the head of the Catholic Church to call for peace and condemn war, describing Trump’s comments as “unacceptable.”
The Pope, in turn, said he had “no fear” of Trump and vowed to continue speaking out against war and promoting dialogue.
Tensions Extend to Security and Military Policy
The rift has also widened over Italy’s stance on the Iran conflict. Meloni has opposed direct military involvement and reportedly denied US forces access to bases such as Sigonella without prior authorization.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that Italy has no intention of participating in military action against Iran, citing constitutional and political constraints.
Trump criticized Italy’s position, arguing that the country relies on the United States to secure global energy routes while refusing to contribute militarily.
Strained Alliance
The exchange marks a significant shift in relations between Trump and Meloni, who had previously been seen as one of his closest European allies and attended his 2025 inauguration.
However, Meloni’s criticism of the Iran war and her defense of the Pope have strained that relationship, raising questions about future US-Italy cooperation.
Growing Political Pressure
The dispute comes amid broader political pressures in Italy, where public opinion toward Trump has reportedly turned increasingly negative.
At the same time, rising energy prices linked to the Iran conflict have added domestic challenges for the Italian government, further complicating its position between maintaining ties with Washington and responding to internal and regional concerns.
