Desk : Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed suggestions that she has taken a submissive approach towards the United States, saying she is neither anti-American nor willing to “kneel” before Washington, as diplomatic tensions continue following remarks made by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking on the Italian television programme 10 Minuti on Rete 4, Meloni said she believes Italy is strongest within a united Western alliance, but stressed that strong international partnerships must also be built on honesty.
“I am not anti-American today, and I was not kneeling yesterday,” Meloni said. “The West is stronger when it is united, and Italy is stronger in a united West. However, solid relationships are also based on frankness, and I am a frank person.”
The controversy stems from comments Trump reportedly made during a telephone interview with Italian broadcaster La7. Referring to his interaction with Meloni during the recent Evian summit, Trump claimed that the Italian Prime Minister had “begged” him for a photograph.
“She wanted a photo with me so badly. I might not have done it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump was quoted as saying. He also remarked that Meloni was “probably happy” he had spoken to her, adding that he was “not obliged” to do so.
Trump also criticised European policies on energy and immigration, arguing that Europe had made serious mistakes in both areas. He described immigration as “a disaster” and criticised Europe’s reliance on wind energy, warning that unless these issues are addressed, Europe “will never be the same.”
Commenting on the war in Ukraine, Trump reiterated that the United States seeks peace but noted that Washington is not involved in decisions regarding Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
The remarks triggered a political backlash in Italy. Earlier this month, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned visit to Miami for a business forum, calling Trump’s comments “serious and offensive.”
In a post on X, Tajani said the remarks directed at Prime Minister Meloni had offended all Italians, making it inappropriate to proceed with the scheduled visit to the United States.