The Powerful Salvini-Trump Alliance and the Threat to Western Values

Despite Donald Trump’s criticisms of Pope Leo XIV and NATO during the war in Iran, relations between the American president and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remain strong. According to Breitbart, the political movements that led to the election of both leaders are closely connected.

A few weeks ago, Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lega party, organized a large rally at Piazza Duomo in Milan alongside leading European conservatives such as Jordan Bardella from France and Geert Wilders from the Netherlands.

During his speech, he emphasized that Trump is “our ally” and “our friend” and stressed that “any misunderstanding will be resolved very soon.”

At the end of February, Salvini gave an exclusive interview to Breitbart News, during which he analyzed demographic policies and shared his views on Trump and important issues affecting Europe and the world more broadly.

This discussion took place during Breitbart’s trip to Milan for the Winter Olympics, as part of Salvini’s first public interventions following legal battles related to preventing migrant ships from accessing Italy.

Salvini had faced charges of “kidnapping” migrants, since when he was Minister of the Interior in 2019, he banned the disembarkation of a ship full of illegal immigrants. After a prolonged legal process, he was ultimately acquitted.

Salvini expressed relief over his acquittal. “For our American friends, this is one of my first interviews after my acquittal following five years of trial related to illegal immigration,” he said. “The positive development is that our strong stance, as Lega and as Italy, has spread throughout Europe, and now it is not just the battle of Lega or Italy, but a movement across all of Europe.”

However, he warned that some countries, like France, might now be difficult to save. “This year’s goal is to have all security laws approved by Parliament and then to win the elections,” he announced.

Salvini then referred to the challenges he faces from parts of the judiciary that question his laws. A comparison of his policies with how Trump deals with liberal judges was inevitable. However, Salvini expressed confidence that Trump “does not need advice,” since, as he said, “he wins on his own.”

Reflecting on concerns regarding immigration, Salvini highlighted the need to strengthen national policies, emphasizing the economic dimension of the issue. “The media sector, judges, and trade unions have a strong economic interest in the immigration issue,” he explained. “After all, it is a costly operation.”

Beyond the economy, Salvini expressed concern about the rise of Islamism in the West. Specifically, he referred to schools in Italy that suspended classes and exams for Ramadan, calling it “madness.”

Furthermore, he pointed out that his party intends to continue its fight against ideologies harming the West. “I feel a movement growing across Europe, aligned with the sensible policies we advocate,” he stated.

When asked about relations with President Trump, Salvini expressed his appreciation for Trump’s work in building a global movement in support of popular nationalists. He hopes to visit the United States soon, underlining the importance of cooperation in a future where shared values will be fundamental.

“I thank President Trump for his courage and the cultural background he provides to this endeavor,” he concluded.