Media: Rome fears military cuts, trade penalties as Trump targets Meloni

Italian officials are increasingly concerned that growing tensions between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni could lead to a deterioration in bilateral relations, including a potential reduction of the US military presence in Italy and the imposition of higher tariffs on Italian exports, La Repubblica reports.

Citing government sources, the newspaper says that concerns have intensified following Trump's latest criticism of Rome for failing to support Washington during its operation in Iran.

According to the report, Italy could be included in future US plans to reduce its military footprint in Europe, despite previous expectations that American bases in southern Italy would remain strategically important due to developments in the Middle East and Africa. La Repubblica also suggested that Trump's attacks on Meloni could translate into new tariffs on Italian goods, a measure Rome has so far managed to avoid.

The newspaper further reported that Italy's ruling coalition is worried Washington may seek closer ties with the newly formed nationalist party National Future, founded by General Roberto Vannacci after his departure from the League party. Both Vannacci and his party advocate a hardline approach to migration, oppose financial and military support for Kyiv, and reject Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

In an interview with La Repubblica, Minister for Relations with Parliament Luca Ciriani acknowledged that the ongoing dispute between Trump and Meloni could have "serious consequences" for relations between the two countries. Nevertheless, Italy's two deputy prime ministers — Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini — have emphasized that the alliance between Rome and Washington remains solid and enduring.

The latest tensions follow a public exchange of sharp remarks between Trump and Meloni last week. The US president accused the Italian prime minister of ingratitude and of attempting to boost her popularity through photo opportunities at the G7 Summit. Meloni responded by suggesting that Trump should focus on his own approval ratings.

The confrontation marks the latest chapter in an increasingly visible rift between the two leaders. Earlier, Meloni publicly came to the defense of Pope Leo XIV, describing Trump's remarks about the pontiff as unacceptable. 

By Vafa Guliyeva