Trump Turns on Meloni, Says He Is 'Shocked' by Italian Leader

In a blunt public rebuke, former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his "shock" at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, describing her as less courageous than he had anticipated. This stark criticism, delivered in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, marks a dramatic departure from Trump's previously warm stance towards Meloni, who was notably the only European leader to attend his inauguration.

Trump's ire appears to stem from Meloni's recent criticisms of his policies, including her denouncement of his comments regarding Pope Leo as "unacceptable" and her opposition to his approach to Iran. He specifically took issue with Meloni's perceived reluctance to support U.S. initiatives concerning energy security and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route. Trump accused Italy of expecting the U.S. to handle such matters unilaterally, stating, "They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open."

“

I'm shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong.

This public falling-out could prove to be a political liability for Meloni. While she had hoped her close relationship with Trump would bolster her international standing, the former president's sharp criticism, coupled with a significant portion of Italians holding negative views of him, may undermine her position. Pollsters suggest that Meloni's ties to the U.S. leader may have already contributed to her recent electoral setbacks, and this latest development could further complicate her political landscape, especially as Italy grapples with high energy costs exacerbated by the war in Iran.

“

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.