Donald Trump has criticized one of his closest allies, saying Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni lacked courage after she did not join the United States in attacks on Iran.
Speaking in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the US president said he had been surprised by Meloni’s position and suggested he had misjudged her resolve.
“I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” Trump said.
The comments came on Tuesday as pressure continued to build inside Italy over the conflict, with Meloni’s government also suspending a defence agreement with Israel. The move reflects the growing political strain created by the war and the debate around Italy’s response.
Meloni has been seen as one of Trump’s closest European allies, making his public criticism notable. The dispute also highlights the tensions that can emerge when political leaders who are aligned on many issues diverge over military action and foreign policy.
Italy’s decision to suspend the defence agreement with Israel added to the significance of the day’s developments. The government has faced increasing domestic pressure as the conflict intensifies, and the suspension signaled a response to that mounting criticism.
Trump’s remarks were brief but pointed, and they appeared aimed directly at Meloni’s refusal to take part in the US-led attacks on Iran. The exchange underscored the difficult position facing European leaders who must balance relations with Washington, domestic opinion, and the wider regional crisis.
The interview was published by Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as the fallout from the conflict continued to shape political debate in Italy and beyond.
