Trump attacks Meloni, criticizes Italy's stance on Iran war

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her and Italy of failing to sufficiently engage in the U.S.-led war against Iran. Trump asserted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that despite billions spent on NATO, Italy would not consider involvement with Iran and its "very serious nuclear threat."

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After spending billions of dollars on NATO, Italy, and its Prime Minister, would not even consider getting involved with the Islamic Republic of Iran and its very serious nuclear threat.

Trump reiterated his long-standing complaint about a lack of support from allies during critical times. "For decades, we have defended them: but when it comes down to it, they are not there to defend us or the rest of the world," he wrote. This criticism follows a week of public exchanges between Trump and Meloni.

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For decades, we have defended them: but when it comes down to it, they are not there to defend us or the rest of the world.

Earlier, Trump claimed in an interview and on Truth Social that Meloni had "begged" for a photo with him during a G7 summit in France, which he granted out of pity due to her reported struggles with popularity. Meloni strongly refuted this account, calling the story "invented" and stating, "Italy and I never begged."

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Italy and I never begged.

The diplomatic fallout intensified when Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to Washington. Tajani described Trump's remarks as "insulting to all of Italy." Trump's criticism has extended beyond Meloni, whom he once considered a trusted European ally, to encompass Italy and NATO as a whole. He has repeatedly questioned countries that have not fully supported the U.S. in the conflict with Iran and has frequently criticized NATO, calling it a "paper tiger" and considering a U.S. withdrawal.

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Trump's words offend all of Italy.