Trump Criticizes Meloni: “I Don’t Want Her to Be My Fan”

Donald Trump has publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming she failed to support the U.S. regarding the Strait of Hormuz and dismissing her previous gestures as acts of desperation.

Trump’s Strained Stance on NATO and Meloni

“She was a big fan of mine. But I don’t want her to be my fan because she was not there, along with the NATO group, when it came to the strait,” Donald Trump stated on Friday. The former U.S. president was referring to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran blocked following the outbreak of hostilities with the United States and Israel. Trump has frequently criticized NATO nations for providing insufficient support to Washington during the conflict.

Tensions Over Public Interactions

This is the latest sharp statement directed at the Italian head of government. In an interview with La7, Trump previously claimed that Meloni had lobbied for a photo opportunity, stating, “She begged me to take a picture with her. I felt sorry for her.” This comment triggered a wave of indignation in Italy, leading Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a scheduled visit to the United States on Friday.

Meloni Refutes Trump’s Claims

The Italian Prime Minister rejected the former president’s remarks, stating, “Donald Trump’s words are completely invented. I am genuinely surprised. Neither I nor Italy beg for anything.” The relationship between the two leaders has remained tense for several weeks. As early as April, Trump publicly accused the Italian premier of lacking support during the conflict with Iran, remarking, “She is different than I thought. I am shocked by her. I thought she had courage; I was wrong.”