In a new post on Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of Italy and its Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party and head of Italy’s coalition government since 2022. Trump expressed frustration over Italy’s position on the escalating tensions with Iran, suggesting that despite decades of U.S. military and financial support for NATO allies, Italy would not stand with Washington in the face of a potential threat from Tehran.
‘Trillions Spent, No Support in Return’
‘Despite having spent trillions of dollars on NATO, Italy—and its Prime Minister—wouldn’t even consider helping against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its grave nuclear threat,’ Trump wrote, echoing long-standing criticisms of European defense contributions.
A Broader Critique of Alliance Loyalty
He went on to argue that the United States has defended European allies for decades—but implied that such loyalty is not reciprocated when Washington needs it most. ‘We’ve defended them for decades, but when the decisive moment arrives, they’re not there to defend us—or the rest of the world. It’s not right,’ he added.
The remarks come amid heightened international concern over Iran’s advancing nuclear program and growing geopolitical friction between Western powers and Tehran. Meloni’s government has consistently supported EU-led diplomatic efforts on Iran but has stopped short of endorsing more confrontational U.S. positions.