The Italian divorce between Meloni and Trump

The close political alliance between American President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has now severely broken down. The "transatlantic divorce" that has emerged between these two leaders, who were once extremely close, is currently having a significant impact on personal-level verbal attacks, diplomatic pressures, as well as overall US-Europe relations, the unity of NATO, and transatlantic security.

Specifically, the severe unrest over military actions launched by the US in Iran has been a major cause. Meloni, leader of Italy's right-wing 'Brothers of Italy' party, was long considered Trump's closest ally in Europe and was the only EU head of state to attend Trump's second official inauguration ceremony in January 2025. She aimed to act as a coordinating bridge between the US and the EU, and the two frequently appeared in photographs at various diplomatic summits, showcasing their closeness.

However, while Meloni visited Mar-a-Lago from early 2025 to March 2026, working closely with Trump on issues such as immigration and traditional values, the first breakdown in their relationship occurred in March 2026. This was when Italy refused permission for American bomber planes to use Italian airbases, including the island of Sicily, in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Furthermore, Meloni's government also refused to send troops or warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz without proper UN approval. Angered by this, President Trump threatened to withdraw American troops stationed in Italy.

This crisis further escalated in April 2026 when Trump harshly attacked a statement made by Pope Leo XIV condemning the Iran war. Trump called the Pope "weak" and criticized his foreign policy, to which Meloni immediately intervened, declaring Trump's statement "absolutely unacceptable." In response, Trump gave an interview to 'Corriere della Sera' newspaper, stating that while he thought Meloni had courage, she was wrong, and her behavior was unacceptable. He also severely criticized her on economic issues, including tariffs imposed on Italian products.

Recently, in June 2026, the conflict reached its peak at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. There, Trump told 'La7' television channel that Meloni had "repeatedly begged" him for a photo and that he had agreed "out of pity" due to her strong request. Prime Minister Meloni immediately rejected this statement as completely false and fabricated, issuing a video message on social media stating that neither she nor Italy would ever beg anyone. She emphasized that Trump's continuous and baseless attacks were incomprehensible, and since being his friend had not served her popularity, he should focus on his own popularity instead of seeking hers.

As an immediate result of these statements, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's planned visit to the US was canceled, and he stated that Trump's words were an insult to the entire Italian nation. Italian politicians across party lines rallied around Meloni, expressing their support. However, President Trump further hardened his stance, questioning Meloni's political position and Italy's popularity through his 'Truth Social' platform and various interviews.

Several factors primarily contributed to this political tremor. Regarding the Iran conflict and military cooperation, Meloni points out that some unilateral actions by the US are illegal, and she always prioritizes international law and NATO's common agreements. Furthermore, Rome is deeply disappointed by the economic tariffs Trump imposed on European goods, including Italian exports. In addition, disagreements exist between the two regarding the level of support for the war in Ukraine, with Meloni consistently standing firm in support of Ukraine. On a personal and domestic political level, while Trump questions Meloni's "courage," Meloni asserts that Italy is not a "vassal" of the US but an "ally" with equal rights, and therefore she will always protect Italy's national interest and sovereignty.

This diplomatic conflict has temporarily united Italian domestic politics around Meloni, enhancing her image as a leader defending Italian pride, but there is a risk of severe pressure on economic and diplomatic relations with the US. Globally, this accelerates the breakdown of US-Europe and NATO alliances, clearly demonstrating how Trump's "America First" policy clashes with European independence. Analysts suggest that this could be the beginning of a new trend among European leaders to challenge Trump's autocratic demands rather than submit to them.