Trump Slams Meloni, Italy-US Alliance Fractures

Meloni, once considered Europe's bridge to Trump due to shared nationalistic and hard-line immigration stances, has seen the relationship deteriorate, particularly after Italy refused authorization for U.S. bombers in Sicily. Nathalie Tocci, a professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe, states Trump has become "completely toxic across Europe," suggesting Meloni's distancing from Trump is a "godsend" for her domestically, helping her recover from a recent referendum defeat and dull the impact of the unpopular Iran war.

Despite the personal attacks, Cabinet minister Adolfo Urso maintains U.S.-Italy relations remain strong within international institutions like the Atlantic Alliance. Mariangela Zappia, president of the ISPI think tank, attributes Trump's "hot-blooded" reaction to broader frustration with Europe's resistance to dismantling the European project, not just Italy.

Meloni is focused on shoring up domestic support, undertaking a Gulf tour for energy and not automatically renewing a defense agreement with Israel, moves driven by domestic politics. Roberto D’Alimonte, a professor at LUISS, predicts a difficult final year and a half for Meloni's mandate due to the economic impact of the Iran war and high energy bills.