Trump reignites feud with Meloni ahead of NATO summit

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's top ministers on Monday sought to contain the fallout from her escalating public feud with U.S. President Donald Trump, after he shared a social media post attacking the Italian leader. According to Time Magazine and Politico Europe, Trump's latest salvo came days before NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Turkey, a gathering where alliance cohesion on Ukraine, defence spending and Eastern European security will be tested.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told local media that transatlantic relations transcend individual statements, signalling Rome's intention to compartmentalise the personal dispute from broader strategic partnership. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi made similar remarks seeking to depoliticise the clash. The effort reflects Italy's position as a NATO member and eurozone anchor, caught between Washington's unpredictability and European institutional stability.

The feud between Trump and Meloni has simmered since his return to office, with the US president previously criticising the Italian leader's record and policies. This week's NATO summit will test whether Rome can maintain its traditional role as a bridge between American and European defence interests while managing Trump's combative approach to alliance politics.