Italy not a U.S. subordinate, Tajani says after Trump-Meloni clash

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for a de-escalation of tensions following a public spat between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Tajani asserted Italy's position as a strategic ally of the United States but firmly stated that the nation is not subservient to anyone.

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Being loyal allies of the U.S., as we are, does not mean renouncing our sovereignty: we are not subjects of anyone.

"Being loyal allies of the U.S., as we are, does not mean renouncing our sovereignty: we are not subjects of anyone," Tajani declared in an interview. He emphasized that foreign policy should not be conducted through insults, especially when responding to "unprovoked attacks." The minister stressed the need to prevent the dispute from causing political, economic, or diplomatic damage, highlighting that both Italy and Europe require a robust relationship with the U.S., just as the U.S. needs Europe and Italy.

Tajani confirmed that his contacts with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been continuous and frank. He informed Blinken of his decision to withdraw from the American Business Forum in Miami but confirmed they would meet at the NATO summit in Ankara. He also affirmed his intention to attend the July 4th celebrations at Villa Taverna, stating he would go "with my head held high" to celebrate the independence of a "great free and democratic country."

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The historical relationship with the United States, our strategic ally, remains, along with the awareness that this relationship must be managed with maturity.

"The historical relationship with the United States, our strategic ally, remains, along with the awareness that this relationship must be managed with maturity," Tajani said. He underscored Italy's significant role as the second-largest industrial power in Europe and the fourth largest in global trade, positioning it as an indispensable partner in the Mediterranean, Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He added that Italy does not "offer" things to the U.S. but works collaboratively on energy security, reducing dependency on unstable regions, and developing new technologies.

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I will go, with my head held high, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Independence of a great free and democratic country: the other face of the West, which must remain united.