A year ago, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the White House, where President Donald Trump hailed her as a “very special person” and a close friend fighting “woke” ideology together. He praised her widely, stating, “Everybody loves her and respects her, and I can’t say that about many people.”
Today, Trump expresses shock at Meloni’s disagreement after he criticized Pope Leo XIV on social media. He groups her with other European leaders who have disappointed him, noting she differs from his expectations and provided no assistance for operations in the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict with Iran. “I thought she had courage. I was wrong,” Trump declares.
Meloni’s Firm Defense of the Pope
Meloni responds decisively, calling Trump’s remarks toward the Pope “unacceptable.” She emphasizes, “The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war.” Her measured statement avoids social media escalation, prioritizing defense of the pontiff over personal ties with Trump.
In parliament last Thursday, Meloni asserts the need to voice disagreements openly to allies, citing differences on the Iran conflict, Ukraine, Greenland, and tariffs. Reports confirm her government denied U.S. forces access to a Sicilian air base for bomber refueling en route to Iran, signaling an early policy shift.
Domestic Pressures Drive Italian Shift
Italian voters recently rejected Meloni’s constitutional amendments on judicial reforms by 54%, viewing it as a broader rebuke. Public opinion polls reveal strong opposition to Trump’s Iran war, influencing her pragmatic approach as a social conservative rather than a rigid populist.
Further actions underscore this pivot: Italy suspends a defense pact with Israel and signs a letter urging a Lebanon ceasefire.
Wider European Right-Wing Realignment
Meloni’s moves reflect a continental trend. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán loses power after emphasizing Trump ties in his campaign, including hosting U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
In France, Marine Le Pen labels Trump’s Iran war a “mistake” and pushes for a Lebanon ceasefire. Germany’s AfD leaders diverge sharply: Tino Chrupalla calls for U.S. troop withdrawal from Germany, while Alice Weidel deems the conflict “haphazard” and opposes involving NATO in Hormuz patrols, arguing it transforms the defensive alliance into an offensive one.
Once eager for Trump’s endorsement—echoing “Make Europe Great Again” and courting his circle—European conservatives now view alignment as politically toxic amid domestic priorities and war fatigue.
