“She is unacceptable because she doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if given the chance,” Trump said in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
“Do you like that your prime minister does nothing to get oil? Do people like it? I can’t imagine it. I’m shocked by her. I thought she had courage, I was wrong,” said Trump.
At the same time, he said that he had not spoken to Meloniova for a long time and that “he is no longer the same person he thought he was”. He added that her attitude disappointed him because he previously considered her a courageous politician. “She thinks that America should do the work for her,” he added.
In the interview, the American president repeated his opinion that Europe relies on the USA not only in matters of security, but also in energy. He also criticized Italy for its reluctance to participate in NATO operations and mentioned the Strait of Hormuz in particular.
The dispute between Trump and Meloni escalated after Pope Leo XIV. criticized the US administration’s approach to migration and the justification of wars and emphasized the need for peace and the protection of civilians. Trump subsequently called the pope “weak” and accused him of pandering to the radical left, saying he should “recover.”
“I consider President Trump’s words about the Holy Father unacceptable,” Meloniová commented on his statements on Monday. She added that the Pope is the head of the Catholic Church and it is right and proper for him to call for peace and condemn all forms of war.
The Pope also responded to Trump’s criticism, saying that he “will continue to speak out against war and promote peace, dialogue and mutual relations between states leading to just solutions to problems.” He added that he is not afraid of Trump.
