The Italian Prime Minister Meloni recently criticized Trump's remarks attacking Pope Francis XIV as "unacceptable."
Responding directly on Tuesday during an interview with Italy's La Stampa, Trump fired back, saying, "What is truly unacceptable is her," and complained that she "is no longer the same person." Trump even accused Meloni of taking a weak stance on Iran's nuclear issue, claiming, "If Iran had the chance, it could blow up Italy in two minutes."
This verbal clash sparked by the "pope's comments" essentially represents a fierce collision between Italy's domestic political pressures and Trump’s "maximum pressure" diplomatic style, set against the backdrop of U.S.-Iran tensions.
As one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, Meloni’s perceived "betrayal" indicates that even European right-wing leaders will ultimately choose national interests over America First when conflicts arise.
Trump’s pressure tactics are clear: when "friendship" fails, he immediately shifts to a public shaming and fear-inducing "transactional" mode.
With declining domestic approval ratings, Meloni needs to strengthen her position by projecting an image of safeguarding national dignity—opposing Trump actually boosts her popularity among the public.
This open confrontation signals that Trump is beginning to fracture even his last, and possibly most steadfast, ally in Europe.
In sum, this is not merely a personal feud between two leaders—it is a direct clash between America First unilateralism and Europe’s pragmatic multilateralism.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862476780188684/
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