President criticizes Italian leader’s response to Middle East crisis and comments on papal involvement in political matters.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump on Tuesday publicly rebuked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, citing disagreements over Iran policy, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and her defense of Pope Leo XIV following recent criticism from Washington.
The dispute unfolded as geopolitical tensions remain high, with the United States maintaining a naval blockade affecting vessels tied to Iranian ports while diplomatic efforts continue under a fragile ceasefire.
In remarks reported by Reuters coverage of the interview, Trump said he was taken aback by Meloni’s recent posture, particularly her reluctance to support U.S.-led efforts tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“I’m shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong,” Trump said in the interview with an Italian newspaper.
He also criticized Italy’s position on regional security, stating that Meloni had declined to align with U.S. objectives in the Middle East while expecting American leadership to maintain stability in key maritime corridors.
Asked about Meloni’s condemnation of his prior comments regarding the Pope, Trump responded, “She is the one who is unacceptable, because she does not care whether Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow Italy up in two minutes if it had the chance.”
The criticism follows Meloni’s defense of Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff weighed in on political matters, including issues tied to the conflict involving Iran. The Italian leader had described Trump’s remarks about the Pope as inappropriate.
Trump further pointed to economic and strategic concerns, highlighting Italy’s energy costs and its dependence on external actors to secure global shipping routes.
“They pay the highest energy costs in the world and are not even ready to fight for the Strait of Hormuz… They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open,” he said.
Social media posts circulating during the exchange, including Trump’s remarks shared online and additional commentary tied to the dispute, reflected the escalating rhetoric between the leaders.
The exchange marks a notable shift in relations between Trump and Meloni, who had previously been viewed as politically aligned on several international issues.
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