• Trump expressed shock over Meloni's leadership stance, claiming she lacks courage.
• The rift emerged after Meloni criticized Trump's comments on Pope Leo XIV.
• Italy's support for U.S. actions regarding Iran is being questioned.

In a recent interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stating, "I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong." His comments were directed at her reluctance to involve Italy in the U.S. efforts against Iran, particularly regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which holds significance for global energy security. This marked a striking shift from his prior support for Meloni, who previously attended his inauguration in 2025, according to SCMP, Al Jazeera, and Le Monde.

The tension peaked when Meloni condemned Trump's previous remarks about Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump described as "weak on crime" for opposing military actions in the middle east. After this, Meloni publicly deemed Trump's criticism as "unacceptable," necessitating a clear stance against his remarks to preserve her credibility as Italy's leader and a representative of Rome, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

This emerging rift comes as Italy confronts rising energy costs attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, leading many Italians to reassess their views towards Trump. Polls suggest that Meloni's association with him has negatively impacted her approval ratings, with over 66% of Italians expressing unfavorable opinions of the U.S. leader, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.