Belgian Minister Warns Trump to Leave Meloni Alone as Europe Needs U.S. Defense for 10 Years
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jul 7
Belgian Minister Warns Trump to Leave Meloni Alone as Europe Needs U.S. Defense for 10 Years
2 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jul 7
Summary
Theo Francken said Europe still needs U.S. military protection for up to another decade, but warned Donald Trump not to target Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Trump's recent attacks on Meloni prompted the rebuke, with the Belgian defense minister drawing a clear line even as he urged European leaders not to alienate Washington.
Meloni is central to Europe's center-right, Francken said, calling her "the queen" and "the alpha" — language that underscored both her political weight and his defense of her.
The remarks highlight Europe's awkward balance: building greater self-reliance while still depending on the U.S. security umbrella for years to come.