Meloni to Trump: Politics is not Temptation Island, restore normal US ties
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she was struck by Trump's attacks but insists bilateral relations must return to normal, rejecting the notion that foreign policy should resemble reality TV.
Speaking at the third edition of “Il Giorno de La Verità” event at Rome’s Acquario Romano, Meloni told director Maurizio Belpietro in a thirty-five minute interview that while she remains affected by the American president’s repeated jabs, she has no intention of fueling further confrontation, according to Il Giornale.
Foreign policy is not Temptation Island, the prime minister stated, referencing the popular reality show. She emphasized that Italy and the United States represent two systems with a long history of solid cooperation that must be preserved.
Meloni drew a clear distinction between social media disputes and actual diplomacy. While Italy made the decision to cancel the Italy-US Business Forum in Miami to send a signal, she stressed that Italian foreign policy remains unchanged from its course of the past eighty years. The government intends to maintain the strong US-EU relationship that forms the foundation of Western strength.
Complex Iran Negotiations Raise Concerns
The prime minister expressed cautious optimism regarding ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, while acknowledging significant complexities in reaching any agreement, as Il Giornale reports.
She outlined three fundamental elements that must be addressed: the fate of Iran’s nuclear program, ensuring no country in the region feels threatened—whether Israel or Gulf states—and guaranteeing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meloni warned that failure to secure navigation rights at Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, potentially transforming every critical node of global commerce into a pressure tool and weapon against states. Italy stands ready to assist in reaching a comprehensive solution.
Italy’s Role in Lebanon and Mediterranean Security
The Italian leader highlighted her country’s extraordinary history of frontline engagement in Lebanon, a topic she plans to discuss with French President Emmanuel Macron at tomorrow’s intergovernmental summit in Antibes. She believes Italy and France can work together effectively on Mediterranean security challenges.
European Immigration Reform Victory
Meloni defended her immigration policy achievements at the European level, claiming she has proven that setting a clear course on sensible positions attracts widespread support. She expressed particular pride in the new European regulation on migrants, which passed with what has been termed the “Giorgia majority.”
That majority, she explained, is simply a center-right coalition extending from center-right parties to sovereigntist parties—very different from the coalition that elected Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President.
Electoral Reform and Opposition Weakness
When questioned about repeated opposition criticism, the prime minister responded with characteristic directness. She suggested that if her government is weak, the opposition must be even weaker, citing positive data on employment, immigration control, and bond spreads as evidence of her administration’s success.
On electoral law reform, Meloni confirmed her intention to pursue changes toward a proportional system with a majority prize, designed to give election winners sufficient numbers to govern effectively. Italy’s recent stability has proven a significant advantage, she argued, and reversing course would send a devastating signal.
She characterized left-wing opposition to the reform as rooted in their preference for a draw that would allow them to govern despite losing elections.
Dismissing Coalition Tension Narratives
Regarding questions about Roberto Vannacci and alleged coalition problems, Meloni dismissed left-wing focus on such issues as desperate deflection from their own coalition’s weaknesses. When voters go to the polls, she concluded, only one question will matter: whether they want a center-right or center-left government.
The prime minister also revealed a personal detail during the interview, noting she has successfully quit smoking since May first and is maintaining the habit.
With information from Il Giornale
