Italian PM stresses strong ties with Washington should be based on mutual respect after Trump’s controversial remarks….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed suggestions that she is either anti-American or subservient to the United States, saying Italy’s relationship with Washington should be built on unity, mutual respect and frank dialogue.
Speaking on the television programme 10 Minuti on Rete 4, Meloni addressed the recent controversy sparked by remarks made by US President Donald Trump about her.
“I am not anti-American today; I was not kneeling yesterday,” Meloni said.
“I am a person who believes that the West is stronger when united, and that Italy is stronger within a united West. That is what I have worked for and continue to work for. But strong relationships are also based on frankness, and I am a frank person,” she added.
Her comments come weeks after Trump made controversial remarks about the Italian Prime Minister during a telephone interview with Italian television channel La7.
Referring to a previous meeting with Meloni, Trump claimed that she had been eager to be photographed with him.
“She begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted a photo with me so badly. I might not have done it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump reportedly said.
When asked about Meloni during the interview, Trump also remarked, “She’s probably happy I spoke to her. I wasn’t obliged to speak to her.”
The comments triggered a political backlash in Italy.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a scheduled visit to Miami for a business forum, describing Trump’s remarks as offensive.
“The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States,” Tajani wrote on X.
During the same interview, Trump criticised European policies on energy and immigration, arguing that Europe had made major mistakes in both areas.
He warned that unless Europe addressed its immigration and energy challenges, the continent would face long-term consequences, describing immigration as “a disaster” and criticising Europe’s reliance on wind energy.
On the war in Ukraine, Trump reiterated that his priority was achieving peace and said the United States was not involved in decisions regarding the European Union’s enlargement process.
Despite the recent diplomatic friction, Meloni stressed that Italy remains committed to maintaining strong ties with the United States while pursuing an open and honest partnership with its transatlantic ally.
