Trump Blasts Meloni Over Iran War: ‘I Thought She Had Courage — I Was Wrong’
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Geopolitics
Former President Donald Trump has launched a blistering personal attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning her courage and suggesting that the Italian public disapproves of her refusal to support the United States in its war with Iran. In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Trump escalated his feud with the Italian leader, challenging her decision to keep Italy on the sidelines of the conflict .
“Does the Italian public like the fact that your prime minister isn’t giving us any help in getting the oil? Do people like it? I can’t imagine they do. I’m shocked by her. I thought she had courage — I was wrong.” — Donald Trump
Trump’s Frustration: Italy’s Refusal to Join the War
Trump’s comments reflect his deep frustration with Italy’s refusal to join the US-led coalition in the war against Iran. Since the conflict began on February 28, Italy has consistently declined to participate in offensive military operations .
Italy’s position has included:
- Refusal to join military action: Italy declared at the outset of the war that it was “not joining” the US-Israeli campaign
- Denial of base access: Italy denied landing rights at Sigonella air base for US military aircraft
- Suspension of defense ties: Italy suspended its defense cooperation agreement with Israel, halting military training cooperation
- Support for European-led mission: Italy is backing a “peaceful” European-led mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Trump’s specific reference to “getting the oil” points to Italy’s refusal to participate in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil passes. The strait has been largely restricted since the war began, causing global energy prices to spike .
‘I Thought She Had Courage — I Was Wrong’
Trump’s personal attack on Meloni’s character represents a significant escalation in their feud. The two leaders had previously shared a warm rapport, bonding over their shared nationalist “America First” and “Italy First” ideologies. Trump had described Meloni as a “fantastic woman” and a “true friend.”
Now, Trump is publicly questioning her courage — a direct challenge to a leader who has built her political identity on strength and decisiveness .
“I’m shocked by her. I thought she had courage — I was wrong.” — Donald Trump
The comment echoes Trump’s earlier statement that Meloni “doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon” and his warning that Iran would “blow up Italy in two minutes” if it had the chance .
The Domestic Political Calculus
Trump’s question about whether “the Italian public likes” Meloni’s stance reflects a calculation that the prime minister’s position may be unpopular at home. However, polling data suggests otherwise.
Italian public opinion has consistently opposed direct military involvement in the conflict. A majority of Italians support Meloni’s decision to keep Italy out of the war, reflecting traditional Italian opposition to military intervention rooted in the country’s post-WWII pacifist constitution .
| Factor | Italian Public Opinion |
|---|---|
| Military involvement | Majority oppose direct participation |
| Energy prices | Concerned, but blame US-Israel for war |
| US relations | Value alliance but oppose being “dragged into war” |
| Pope’s influence | Pope’s anti-war stance resonates with Catholic population |
Meloni’s coalition partners, including the far-right League and Forza Italia, also expressed reservations about joining the US campaign. The Italian parliament, where Meloni’s coalition holds a majority, reflected this skepticism .
The ‘Meloni Doctrine’
Trump’s attacks come as Meloni has articulated a strategic vision for Italy’s role in the world that analysts have dubbed the “Meloni Doctrine.” The core principle is that Italy will not be a vassal to US demands .
Key aspects of the Meloni Doctrine:
- Strategic autonomy: Italy will make its own decisions about war and peace
- European leadership: Italy is positioning itself as a leader within Europe
- Pragmatic alliances: Italy will cooperate with the US but not automatically follow
- National interest first: All decisions are guided by Italian, not American, priorities
Meloni’s approach has earned her respect in Europe, where she is seen as a pragmatic leader who has balanced her nationalist credentials with responsible governance. Her refusal to join the Iran war has been praised by opposition parties and European partners alike .
The Broader Context: US-Italy Relations
Trump’s attacks threaten to undermine one of America’s most important European alliances. Italy hosts several key US military installations, including Naval Air Station Sigonella and Aviano Air Base, and is a founding member of NATO .
| US-Italy Military Cooperation | Details |
|---|---|
| US bases in Italy | Sigonella, Aviano, Vicenza, Gaeta, Camp Darby |
| US personnel stationed | Approximately 12,000 |
| NATO role | Founding member; key Mediterranean ally |
| Intelligence sharing | Extensive cooperation |
Despite Trump’s personal attacks, institutional ties between the two countries remain strong. However, the feud could have longer-term consequences if Trump returns to office and holds a grudge .
What Comes Next
As the Trump-Meloni feud continues to escalate, several scenarios are possible:
| Scenario | Likelihood | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Further escalation | Possible | Trump may continue personal attacks |
| Meloni downplays feud | Likely | Seeks to preserve bilateral relationship |
| Italy-US relations cool | Possible | Longer-term strategic consequences |
| Resolution after US election | Uncertain | Depends on political outcomes |
For now, Trump has made his position clear: he is “shocked” by Meloni, he questions her courage, and he believes the Italian public disapproves of her refusal to support the US war effort. Meloni, for her part, has shown no sign of backing down .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did Trump say about Meloni?
Trump said he is “shocked” by Meloni, questioned whether the Italian public approves of her refusal to support the US war effort, and stated: “I thought she had courage — I was wrong.”
2. Why is Trump attacking Meloni?
Trump is frustrated by Italy’s refusal to join the US-led coalition in the war against Iran, including its denial of base access, suspension of defense ties with Israel, and refusal to participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
3. Does the Italian public support Meloni’s position?
Polling indicates that a majority of Italians oppose direct military involvement in the Iran war, supporting Meloni’s decision to keep Italy out of the conflict.
4. What is the ‘Meloni Doctrine’?
The term refers to Meloni’s strategic vision that Italy will not be a vassal to US demands, making its own decisions about war and peace while maintaining alliances on its own terms.
5. How has Meloni responded to Trump’s attacks?
Meloni’s office has stated that “Italy will not be dragged into a war that the Italian people do not support” and that Italy remains committed to NATO but will make its own decisions.
6. Could this affect US-Italy relations?
Institutional ties remain strong, but the feud could have longer-term consequences if Trump returns to office and holds a grudge.
7. What is the status of the Iran war?
A fragile two-week ceasefire remains in effect, but peace talks have collapsed and a second round is being considered. The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
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