News from Italy
Trump to Meloni: “A restraining order is needed”
A post by US President Donald Trump about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in which he wrote, “A restraining order is needed,” has brought renewed attention to the escalating tensions between the two leaders in recent weeks. The post has also triggered debate over US-Italy relations ahead of the NATO Summit.
Trump’s message on the social media platform Truth Social reignited diplomatic tensions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Trump shared a photograph taken during the G7 Summit, in which Meloni appears to be looking at him, and added the phrase: “A restraining order is needed.”
The post pushed the strained relationship between the two countries back to the centre of the international agenda ahead of the NATO Summit.
Dispute that began after the G7 Summit
The tensions between Trump and Meloni began after the G7 Summit, when Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him to take a photograph together. Trump said at the time: “I wasn’t going to do it, but I felt sorry for her.” Meloni strongly rejected the claim, saying that Trump’s remarks did not reflect reality. The Italian prime minister responded: “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Recent disagreements between the two leaders are believed to have become more visible, particularly over Middle East policies and comments related to the Vatican. According to reports, Trump has criticised Meloni’s position on Iran and Italy’s approach regarding the use of US military bases in the country. Statements concerning Pope Leo XIV have also been cited as a contributing factor to tensions between the two leaders. Following the developments, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reportedly cancelled a planned visit to the United States, while diplomatic contacts between the two countries continued. US Ambassador to Rome Tilman Fertitta said at a Fourth of July reception that relations between the United States and Italy remained strong, adding that disagreements between leaders were a normal part of international relations.
Rome adopts a cautious approach.
Following Trump’s latest post, the Italian government avoided entering into a direct public dispute. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy would not respond to debates conducted through social media, stressing that relations with the United States were based on a strategic partnership that went beyond individual statements. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also said that alliance relationships should continue independently of individual personalities. Italian government sources told Reuters that Meloni intended to maintain a professional approach during the NATO Summit and would seek to prevent bilateral tensions from overshadowing the summit’s agenda.
Wide coverage in the Italian press
Trump’s post received extensive coverage in the Italian media.
Several newspapers described the move with headlines such as “a new attack ahead of Ankara,” “an earthquake before the summit”, and “a move escalating tensions.” Commentaries suggested that the post could negatively affect the diplomatic atmosphere ahead of the NATO Summit.
Carlo Calenda, leader of the opposition Action Party, expressed support for Meloni in a statement shared on social media.
Eyes on the leaders’ meeting
The NATO Summit is expected to focus on increasing defence spending, strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, providing support for Ukraine, and making decisions regarding the future of the alliance. Trump’s latest post, however, has become one of the developments overshadowing diplomatic preparations ahead of the summit.
The international community is closely watching the expected meeting between Trump and Meloni during the summit. The messages delivered by the two leaders are expected to play an important role in determining the future direction of US-Italy relations.