Trump on Meloni: «Very good relationship, I always liked her»

The relationship with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "is very good", "I have always liked her". US President Donald Trump thus responded to a question from journalists about his past attacks on the Italian Prime Minister. So have we overcome the strong friction of recent months, when the head of the White House had repeatedly criticized the Italian prime minister (but also the European allies), accusing her of not having done enough to help him during the attacks against Iran, in particular regarding the use of air bases? This is what the fickle head of the White House seems to imply, after yesterday's G7 dedicated to energy, in which the allies agreed to meet Washington's requests and make diesel reserves available to control prices.

«It's clear that with Donald Trump I believed that things would be easier, given our convergence on immigration and woke culture. Things went differently", admitted Meloni in the interview with the New York Times published at the beginning of September, on the eve of the historic milestone of the longest-serving executive of the Republic. A long portrait dedicated to the prime minister, signed by the head of the Paris office, Roger Cohen: a journey outlined to tell American readers how Italy has changed in the almost four years of the leader of the Brothers of Italy at Palazzo Chigi.

The rift between the two came to an end after the G7 in Evian, when The Donald told La7 that he had been "begged" by the prime minister for a photograph together, adding that he accepted because he had "pityed" him. The reply arrived quickly: «Trump's statements are totally invented. I'm frankly shocked. Italy and I never beg", Meloni replied with a harsh video, gathering the solidarity of the European partners gathered in Brussels.

Then Trump's new criticisms ("After the United States has militarily defeated Iran, she wants to go back to being friends to bring up her "numbers". No, thanks") and Meloni's decision to no longer respond to attacks defined as "unmotivated" and "senseless", not before having coldly pointed out: "As for my popularity, her friendship has certainly not been helpful, nor does it depend on my relationship with her. My popularity depends on my ability to defend the Italian national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done." And again: «My popularity doesn't concern you. I suggest you concentrate on yours." Without prejudice to the belief that "the unity of the West is very important". And drawing the line between affinity and national interest: «I don't decide the Italian strategy based on my personal relationships».