Italy to send undersecretary to US summit on 'red terrorism' amid Antifa controversy
Premier Giorgia Meloni pushed for participation after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invited over 60 nations to Washington next week, despite European skepticism about the Trump administration's focus on Antifa.
Italy will send an undersecretary to Washington for a summit called by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to confront what the State Department describes as the "resurgence of transnational far-left terrorism." The decision, made on 11 July 2026 after careful deliberation, came at the direct urging of Premier Giorgia Meloni, according to government sources. The Italian presence, while not at the highest ministerial level, marks a political stance at a gathering that has drawn sharp criticism across Europe.
The summit and its intent
Rubio's initiative, scheduled for next week, has invited more than 60 countries, including most European nations, major Latin American states, and several Asian powers such as India, Indonesia, and Singapore. The State Department frames the far-left terrorist threat as "an old menace re-emerging with strong transnational links." However, many observers view the event as a Trump administration crusade against Antifa. After the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Trump issued an executive order designating Antifa a "domestic terrorist organization." Now, the goal may be to label the movement as "foreign terrorism," unlocking additional investigative tools like surveillance.
It would set a precedent for a possible Gavin Newsom administration to go after conservatives.
The quote, from an unnamed US official speaking to the Washington Post, encapsulates domestic fears that counter-terrorism powers could boomerang if Democrats return to the White House.
International unease
Foreign officials expressed frustration over the short notice, just a couple of weeks, and the vague objectives of the gathering. Many deemed ministerial-level attendance unlikely given packed diplomatic schedules. Political reservations also surfaced, with some questioning why they were invited at all. Italy's own decision to dispatch an undersecretary reflects this balancing act: maintaining transatlantic ties while avoiding full endorsement of a polarizing agenda. Meloni's involvement underscores the personal push needed to secure any Italian representation.
