Italians revolt against Trump’s ‘bad mouth’ as even Meloni’s defends her | World | News
Schlein backs Meloni in opposition to Trump’s attack (Image: Getty)
Following the disagreement between the two political leaders, even Giorgia Meloni’s opposition defended him, while the Italian government rebelled against Trump’s ‘bad mouth’.
Donald Trump on Tuesday attacked close ally Meloni, claiming he ‘lacks the courage’ for not joining the US in attacking Iran.
The comments came after tensions rose between the countries following US President Trump’s attack on Pope Leo.
Schlein, the leader of the Italian opposition that supports his country, supported Meloni “for dutifully expressing solidarity with Pope Leo.”
The entire hall applauded the politician, who continued to reiterate that Trump’s behavior was unacceptable.
He said: “Listen Trump, even as political rivals, we Italians will not accept any attack on our country, especially from your evil mouth.
“No foreign head of state can allow himself to be attacked, threatened or disrespected by our country and government.”
Tensions rise between Meloni and Trump (Image: Getty)
Read more: Pope Benedict XIV Leo rages at ‘arrogant, evil’ leaders as feud with Trump explodes
Read more: Disturbing detail was seen in the photo of artificial intelligence Jesus taken by Trump while posting on the site
Earlier Tuesday, Trump said in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, referring to Meloni: “I was shocked by him. I thought he had the courage, but I was wrong.”
“Giorgia Meloni doesn’t want to help us in the war. I’m shocked,” Trump added. “Do people like the fact that your president did nothing to get the oil? [in Iran]? Did you like it? “I can’t imagine.”
The US president dealt the blow when Italy announced that it would not renew its defense agreement with Israel.
The prime minister said his government had decided to suspend the renewal, which takes place every five years, due to the “current situation”.
Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador to Rome last week after Israeli forces opened fire or fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
While one vehicle was damaged, no one was injured.
Israel also summoned Italy’s ambassador on Monday to protest comments by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemning Israel’s “unacceptable attacks” in Lebanon.
Many countries have halted arms exports to Israel in recent years, but Meloni’s right-wing coalition government has remained one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe.
This change, along with Trump’s criticism of his comments targeting the Pope, whom he claimed was “not doing a very good job” and should “stop serving the radical left”, created cracks in relations between Italy and the US.
Meloni responded to those comments by saying he would feel uncomfortable in a world where religious leaders are expected to follow the instructions of political leaders, adding that the president’s insults were “unacceptable.”
The Italian Prime Minister said of the war of words between Mr Trump and Pope Leo XIV: “I find President Trump’s words about our 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 kinds of war.”
Responding, Trump said: “He’s the unacceptable one, because he doesn’t care whether Iran has a nuclear weapon or not, and he would blow up Italy in two minutes if he had the chance.”
Despite the disagreement, Meloni still called Washington a “priority ally” but noted that didn’t mean he had to agree with Trump.
He said: “When you are friends, especially when you are strategic allies, you also have to have the courage to say when you disagree.”
