Giorgia Meloni faces political crossroads amid strained ties with Donald Trump

10 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 28

Tensions escalated after Trump criticised Meloni for refusing to join US attacks on Iran and insulted Pope Leo XIV, prompting Meloni to defend the pontiff and call Trump’s remarks "unacceptable."
The rift has forced Meloni to balance defending Italian and Catholic interests against maintaining US relations, while also strengthening ties with European leaders, notably at the Paris summit on the strait of Hormuz.
With Italy’s economy struggling and security concerns rising, Meloni’s association with Trump is increasingly seen as a liability domestically, complicating her political strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.

How has the public feud with the Pope impacted US foreign policy goals in Europe?

Could Italy's European pivot shield its economy from the US-Iran war's fallout?

Will Meloni's high-stakes diplomatic gamble between Trump and Europe save her political future?

Beyond Italy, how are other US allies reacting to Washington's increasingly unilateral actions?

Was the controversial World Cup offer a genuine olive branch or a calculated political trap?

Could Iran's internal crisis after its Supreme Leader's death trigger a new refugee wave?