Trump signals thaw with Meloni after months of diplomatic strain
Donald Trump stated that his relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is "very good" and that he has "always liked her," striking a conciliatory tone after months of public tensions between the two leaders. Speaking to journalists before departing for Alabama on Friday, Trump dismissed questions about his past criticism of the Italian premier.
The remarks mark a significant shift from June, when Trump claimed Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph at the G7 summit in France. Meloni rejected the assertion as "completely invented" in a video response, declaring that "neither I nor Italy ever beg anyone." The episode triggered a diplomatic crisis, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a planned visit to Washington and calling Trump's words "serious and offensive to all of Italy."
Disputes over Iran and defence spending
The personal feud exposed deeper strategic rifts. Washington had grown frustrated with Rome's refusal to support a US military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz against Iran, and with what Trump viewed as inadequate European defence spending. Italy's position as a key NATO host made the disagreement especially sensitive.
Relations had already soured in April when Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV for his anti-war stance. Meloni called those attacks "unacceptable," prompting Trump to say he was "shocked" by her response and that she was "no longer the same person." The tension culminated in Meloni skipping the UN General Assembly in September, breaking a fifteen-year tradition for Italian prime ministers.
Diesel export ban off the table
Trump also addressed energy cooperation with Europe, confirming he would not impose a ban on US diesel exports. Such a measure "was never really taken into consideration," he told reporters. His comments came after European nations agreed to release substantial quantities from their strategic reserves.
Europe had viewed a potential export ban with alarm. The EU became more dependent on US diesel after cutting ties with Russian oil supplies and facing reduced flows from the Middle East. A European Commission spokesperson had warned that "any interruption would risk having a negative impact on both sides."
A joint G7 statement confirmed a coordinated release of 100 million barrels of oil and fuel products, including a substantial quantity of diesel within the first 20 days. Trump said the European response had been "exceptional." The G7 statement reaffirmed a commitment to "refrain from export restrictions on energy" among member states.
From tariff threats to diplomacy
The 2026 diplomatic calendar has been turbulent. Early in the year, Meloni and Trump exchanged New Year's greetings and discussed Ukraine, Gaza, and a pasta agreement that saw reduced US tariffs. Italy positioned itself as a bridge between Europe and the Trump administration.
But tariff threats resurfaced repeatedly. Trump warned of levies on European goods and raised questions about a planned Canadian associate membership in the EU. The European Parliament suspended ratification of a trade deal before finally agreeing to implement it in May.
For Italian residents, the fluctuations matter. Diplomatic stability affects everything from energy prices to military agreements that employ thousands at joint bases. The latest comments suggest both sides may be ready to de-escalate, though no immediate official reaction from Palazzo Chigi was reported.
