A deepening rift between Rome and Washington has escalated after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly advised President Donald Trump to “focus on your own popularity”. The remark, delivered during a press conference in Rome, marks a significant deterioration in relations between two key NATO allies.
The exchange follows a series of tweets from President Trump criticising Italy’s handling of migration and its commitment to NATO spending targets. In a statement released by the Palazzo Chigi, Meloni said: “Italy is a sovereign nation. We do not require unsolicited advice on our domestic affairs from those who may be struggling with their own approval ratings.”
Diplomatic sources in Brussels have described the incident as “unprecedented in tone”. Meloni, who leads a right-wing coalition government, has previously aligned herself with Trump on issues of national sovereignty and border control. However, this apparent break suggests a recalibration of her approach as she seeks to position Italy more centrally within the European Union.
The Italian ambassador to Washington has been summoned for consultations. A senior official in Rome said: “We are reviewing all aspects of our bilateral relationship. The tone of recent communications from the White House has been unhelpful.”
President Trump responded on social media: “The Italian Prime Minister has forgotten who pays for NATO. The United States is expected to carry the burden while others talk. Not acceptable.” He added: “Maybe Italy should focus on its own economy.”
Analysts note that the row comes at a delicate moment for transatlantic relations. The EU has been pushing for greater strategic autonomy, while NATO faces internal divisions over burden-sharing and the future of the alliance. Meloni’s comments may appeal to a domestic audience concerned about US influence, but they risk alienating Washington at a time when European security is under pressure.
The Italian foreign ministry is expected to issue a formal protest this evening. Meanwhile, the White House has cancelled a planned meeting between the two leaders on the margins of the G7 summit later this month.
In a joint statement, the European Commission and the European External Action Service expressed “full solidarity” with Italy, calling for “respectful dialogue between allies”. The statement stopped short of condemning the United States directly.
The incident highlights the growing fragility of international diplomacy in an era of personalised leadership. For Meloni, the gamble is whether standing up to Trump will bolster her standing at home and in Europe, or isolate her from a powerful patron. For Trump, the crisis tests his capacity to manage alliances that have been the foundation of US foreign policy for decades.
This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they become available.
