Giorgia Meloni has rejected the idea that Italy will have to choose sides between the US and Europe, calling it "childish" and "superficial", insisting she would do whatever is necessary to protect her country's interests.
In her first interview with the Financial Times for a foreign newspaper since taking office in 2022, the Italian prime minister said it was "in everyone's interest" to overcome tensions in transatlantic relations, describing the reactions of some European leaders to Donald Trump as "a little too political."
Italy's conservative nationalist leader made it clear that she did not see the American president as an adversary and that she would continue to respect Italy's "first ally."
"I'm a conservative. Trump is a Republican leader. Of course I'm closer to him than many others, but I understand a leader who protects his national interests. I protect mine," Meloni said.
At a time of growing alarm in Europe about the Trump administration, Meloni said many of the White House's complaints about Europe's trade practices and defense spending simply echoed previous US administrations.
Speaking just hours before Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on car imports, Meloni said the U.S. had long been pursuing an increasingly protectionist agenda, including Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. "Do you really think protectionism in the U.S. was invented by Donald Trump?"
Meloni also said she hoped Trump's "confrontational" approach to European defense would be a much-needed "stimulus" for the continent to take responsibility for its own security. "I like to say that crisis always hides an opportunity," she said.
"It's not easy to compete with someone who can sign 100 executive orders a day."
Meloni stressed the importance of avoiding a transatlantic rift, outlining her vision for security guarantees for Ukraine and for a non-confrontational response to Trump's tariff offensive.
"Italy can have good relations with the United States and if there is something that Italy can also do to avoid a US confrontation with Europe and to build bridges, I will do that - and it is in the interest of Europeans."
He expressed agreement with US Vice President Vance's positions on Europe at the Munich Conference.
"I have to say I agree. I've been saying this for years... Europe is a little lost. Trump's criticism of Europe was not aimed at its people, but, argues Meloni, "its ruling class... and the idea that instead of reading reality and finding ways to respond to people, you can impose your ideology on people." (A2 Televizion)
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