Italians revolt against Trump’s ‘bad mouth’ as even Meloni’s defends her | World | News

Italy’s government has revolted against Trump’s ‘bad mouth’ as even Giorgia Meloni’s opposition defended her following the disagreement between the two political leaders.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump lashed out at his close ally, Meloni, claiming she ‘lacked courage’ due to not joining the US in attacking Iran.

The comments came after tensions rose between the countries following US President Trump’s strike against Pope Leo.

Supporting her nation, Schlein, the leader of the Italian opposition, backed Meloni “for having dutifully expressed solidarity with Pope Leo.”

The chamber all gave the politician a round of applause as she continued to reiterate that Trump’s behaviour is unacceptable.

She said: “Listen, Trump, even as political opponents, we Italians will not accept any attacks against our country, especially from your bad mouth.

“No foreign head of state can allow himself to attack or threaten or show disrespect to our country and our government.”

Earlier on Tuesday Trump said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” referring to Meloni.

“Giorgia Meloni doesn’t want to help us in the war. I’m shocked,” Trump added. “Do people like the fact that your president isn’t doing anything to get the oil [in Iran]? Does she like it? I can’t imagine.”

The US president made the blow as Italy announced it will not renew its defence agreement with Israel.

The prime minister said her government had decided to suspend the renewal, which occurs every five years due to “the current situation”.

Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome last week following the firing or warning shots by by Israeli forces at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

One vehicle was damaged but there were no injuries.

Israel in turn summoned Italy’s ambassador on Monday to protest comments by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani who denounced Israel’s “unacceptable attacks” in Lebanon.

Many countries over past years have halted their arms exports to Israel however Meloni’s right-wing coalition government has remained one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe.

This change alongside her criticism of Trump’s comments targeted at the Pope, who he claims is not “doing a very good job” and should “stop catering to the radical left”, have created cracks in the relationship between Italy and the US.

Meloni clapped back at these statements claiming she would feel uncomfortable in a world where religious leaders were expected to follow the direction of political leaders, adding that the president’s insults were “unacceptable”.

The Italian Prime Minister, commenting on the war of words between Mr Trump and Pope Leo XIV, said: “I find President Trump’s words about the Holy Father unacceptable.

“The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and condemn all forms of war.”

Responding to this, Trump said: “She is the one who is unacceptable, because she doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance.”

Despite the disagreement, Meloni still described Washington as a “priority ally” but noted that doesn’t mean she has to agree with Trump.

She said: “When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree.”