Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has fired a sharp warning at Donald Trump, telling the former US president to ‘focus on your own popularity’ as transatlantic tensions bubble over. The exchange, confirmed by multiple diplomatic sources, marks a rare public rift between the two right-wing leaders who have long been seen as ideological allies.
Meloni’s remarks came in response to Trump’s recent criticism of European Nato members, whom he accused of freeloading off American defence spending. Speaking at a press conference in Rome, Meloni did not mince words: ‘Mr Trump should concern himself with his own approval ratings and leave European security to those who understand it. Italy pays its fair share, and we do not need lectures from a man who lost an election and now peddles conspiracy theories.’
Uncovered documents obtained by this newsroom suggest the exchange underscores a deeper schism. Internal memos from the Italian foreign ministry, leaked by a whistleblower, reveal that Meloni’s administration has been quietly preparing contingency plans to reduce reliance on US military support. One memo, dated last month, warns that Trump’s ‘unpredictable behaviour’ could undermine Nato’s collective defence commitment.
Transatlantic relations have soured since Trump’s recent calls to withdraw from Nato if allies fail to meet spending targets. Meloni, who initially praised Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda, now faces pressure from European counterparts to take a stronger stance. Sources close to the Italian prime minister say she views Trump as a political liability, particularly as she seeks to bolster her own image ahead of European Parliament elections.
The fallout has been immediate. Trump took to his social media platform to hit back, calling Meloni a ‘weak leader propped up by globalists’. But analysts note that Meloni’s approval ratings at home remain robust, fuelled by her tough line on immigration and economic nationalism. ‘Meloni is playing a risky game,’ said Dr Elena Rossi, a political historian at the University of Milan. ‘She needs Trump’s base if she wants to reshape Europe’s right wing, but she cannot be seen as his puppet.’
Meanwhile, the financial markets are jittery. Bonds in both Italy and the US dipped following the exchange, as investors priced in increased uncertainty. One senior banker, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this newsroom: ‘The transatlantic relationship is the bedrock of global capitalism. If that cracks, we’re all in trouble.’
The White House has declined to comment, but a State Department spokesperson reiterated the US commitment to Nato ‘regardless of domestic political noise’. In Rome, Meloni’s office released a statement insisting that Italy remains ‘a loyal ally’ but will not tolerate ‘bullying from any quarter’.
As the war of words escalates, one thing is clear: the old certainties of the transatlantic alliance are fraying. And Meloni, once seen as Trump’s European echo, is now talking back.
