U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta said the tension between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did not stem from a personal feud. Fertitta described Trump’s criticisms of Meloni as a reflection of his broader frustration with NATO countries’ contributions.
Trump’s criticism of European countries’ contributions to NATO and their limited support for the war in Iran has cooled ties between the two sides, which generally maintain close relations with Meloni.
How tensions between Trump and Meloni escalated
Fertitta said Rome’s refusal to support the war in Iran had increased tensions in the relationship. The ambassador said he told the Italian side that the scale of the disagreement had become disproportionate.
Tensions also escalated after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV and alleged that Meloni had begged to take a photo with him at the G7 Summit in France.
Fertitta warns politicians about Trump
Fertitta said politicians around the world need to understand how to deal with Trump.
“You don’t want to get into a verbal volleyball match with Donald Trump, because he is relentless and he wins.”
Fertitta also said Trump does not consider a politician noteworthy unless that person challenges him.