Washington: US President Donald Trump issued a sharp rebuke of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, signalling a major fracture in one of his most prominent European alliances over Italy’s refusal to participate in the conflict with Iran.

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump expressed deep disappointment in the far-right leader, who has governed Italy since October 2022 and has frequently served as a bridge between Washington and Brussels.

"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," Trump said.

Friction Over the Papacy and Nuclear Ambition

The President’s comments followed Meloni’s recent defence of Pope Leo XIV. On Monday, the Prime Minister described Trump’s criticisms of the pontiff—who has repeatedly called for an end to Middle Eastern hostilities—as "unacceptable."

Trump returned the sentiment in his interview, accusing Meloni of being "unacceptable because she doesn't mind that Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance."

The President revealed that the two leaders have not communicated recently, stating they had not spoken "in a long time." He further criticised Italy's role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, claiming, "She doesn't help us with NATO."

"She doesn't want to help get rid of a nuclear-weaponed Iran. Very sad... She's much different than I thought," Trump added.

Critique of Europe and NATO

Expanding his critique to the broader continent, Trump dismissed NATO as a "paper tiger." He castigated European nations for their reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, noting the region's vital role in their energy supply.

Turning his focus back to Italy’s domestic situation, Trump suggested that Meloni’s leadership had shifted. "Italy is not the same country. Immigration is killing Italy and all of Europe," he remarked.

Domestic Support for Meloni

In Italy, the President’s remarks triggered a rare moment of unity across the political spectrum as allies and adversaries rallied behind the Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani responded on X, formerly Twitter, emphasising that while Italy remains a devoted ally of the United States, "this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty." Tajani defended Meloni’s character, stating that Trump was originally correct to view her as courageous because "she is a woman who never shies away from saying what she thinks."

"And on Pope Leo XIV, she said exactly what all of us Italians think. The prime minister and the government defend and will always defend only and solely the interests of Italy," Tajani wrote.

The opposition also voiced its disapproval of the President's rhetoric. Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, characterised Trump’s words as a "serious lack of respect." Speaking in parliament, Schlein reminded colleagues of the nation's legal foundations, stating, "Our constitution is clear — Italy repudiates war."

With inputs from AFP