Trump posts mockery of Meloni on Truth Social

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto had expressed confidence shortly before the summit that an agreement could be reached. He also acknowledged that Trump's behavior remains difficult to predict. Crosetto's assessment stands in contrast to the sharp tone Trump struck on Truth Social.

Reaction from Rome

Meloni herself firmly rejected Trump's account. After the G7 summit in Evian, Trump had claimed that Meloni had asked him for a joint photo. The Italian head of government countered by declaring, "neither she nor Italy needs to beg for anything." The shock over the truthfulness of this claim caused a stir in Rome.

Observers expect that the comparatively young conflict between Trump and Meloni will further weigh on the already complicated talks on the sidelines of the Ankara summit. Both politicians are expected to attend the meeting, making direct encounters between the delegations likely.

At the heart of the summit is the US demand to raise European defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product. If Trump links the question of alliance loyalty to the dispute with Meloni, this could further complicate negotiations.

Impact on the NATO summit

The Italian government has repeatedly emphasized in recent days that it wants to strengthen Europe's defense capability, while also ensuring fair burden-sharing. With the current post, however, the discussion has shifted away from the negotiating topics toward a personal exchange of blows.

In Ankara on July 7 and 8, the heads of state and government of the NATO member states are expected, among others. The summit was convened with the aim of discussing the future direction of the alliance, which Trump has significantly altered since taking office.

Italian diplomats, following the Truth Social post, appeared eager to maintain the government's line and avoid a direct confrontation within the alliance. At the same time, concern is growing in Rome that the episode could damage Italy's image as a reliable transatlantic partner.

Implications for transatlantic relations

The episode also throws a spotlight on the way Trump deals with allied heads of government on social media. By publicly humiliating an allied politician immediately before a high-level meeting, Trump is sending a signal that goes far beyond the personal dispute with Meloni.

Observers emphasize that Meloni's response has so far been marked by a show of dignity and has not slipped into Trump's tone. This stance could earn the Italian prime minister sympathies within the EU and among other NATO partners that could play a role in the upcoming negotiations in Ankara.