Meloni: US-Italy relations must return to normal after Trump attacks

Diplomatic tensions

Donald Trump escalated a public row with Italy, first describing the prime minister as "imploring" for a photo during the G7 in France, then releasing an audio recording that harshly attacked Meloni. On 23 June, in the Oval Office, Trump twice called Italy "very bad" in front of reporters, faulting it for a lack of help in the war against Iran, according to Tgcom24.

“Italy 'very bad'.”

Meloni's response at La Verità

Interviewed by Maurizio Belpietro at the newspaper's event, Meloni admitted she was personally hurt. "I was sincerely struck, and when I said I was struck I was extremely sincere," she said. She also noted viral videos that made her attitude appear assertive, and speculation that Trump might be trying to divert attention from the Iran negotiations.

“I do not intend to continue feeding this confrontation. I think our bilateral work with the United States must return to normality, as I told the Council of Ministers yesterday regarding upcoming appointments.”

The signal and the next step

Foreign minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned mission to Washington immediately after the attacks. Meloni endorsed that move as a necessary signal but made clear the moment for escalation is over: "The message has been received, there is no need to go further." She confirmed that on 2 July ministers will be present at Villa Taverna, the US ambassador's residence, for the independence day reception, "also out of respect for Ambassador Fertitta, who works hard for Italy-US relations."

“Tajani was right to cancel the mission to the United States immediately to send a signal, but once the message is received there is no need to go beyond.”

Institutional and economic ties

Meloni stressed that relations between the two countries rest on an "ancient and solid" history of cooperation that cannot be erased or renegotiated over a social-media spat. She cited the recent visit of defence minister Guido Crosetto to Washington and commercial data showing Italian exports to the US grew despite American tariffs, proof, she said, that Italian products are well received.

“I see no risk of backlash. Our institutional and economic relations are going well even in recent weeks and months.”

Foreign policy, not a reality show

In a pointed remark, the prime minister complained that foreign policy is being discussed "as if it were Temptation Island, but it is more complex," referencing the Italian reality TV show. She added that ties between countries do not begin and end depending on who is in government at a given moment, calling for a return to depth in foreign policy discourse.