Meloni downplays tensions with Trump: Ties with the US remain unchanged, foreign policy is not a reality show

“Foreign policy is not Temptation Island,” was the phrase Giorgia Meloni drew attention to, an expression widely shared on social media during the clash with Trump, to underscore two clear messages.

According to her, the clash has not weakened her at all; on the contrary, it has generated enthusiasm, something she pointed out openly. The prime minister also reiterated that her friendship with the United States remains untouched, despite the irony and memes circulating online. In this context, she also publicly announced what she had declared at the Council of Ministers two days earlier: the government will take part in the traditional reception at Villa Taverna.

“Tajani was right to cancel his mission to Washington to send a signal, but once the message has been delivered, there is no need to go any further,” she said.

In Rome, the new electoral law is expected to be presented in the chamber on Friday.

“A reform that gives stability to those who receive the most votes should be good for the left, which after the referendum told us it had already won by a wide margin,” Meloni said sarcastically.

“I can understand why they do not want the prime minister’s endorsement. They do not know who to put there. But as for governing… Perhaps they are aiming for a draw so they can govern despite having lost? That would be dramatic,” she added.

She then repeated her goal of taking the mandate “through to the end of the legislature,” including the completion of the “nuclear project” which, according to her, “will allow us to be independent and competitive.”

Meloni also praised the results of her executive in the areas of employment, taxes and exports.

On the stage of the Roman Aquarium, at an event hosted by Il giorno della Verità, the prime minister appeared wearing a green suit and avoided contact with journalists. “Are you trying to steal the show from the editor, aren’t you?” she said, as for about half an hour she answered the issues dominating the political debate: from the upcoming summits to the electoral law, from sharp responses to her political rivals, with Matteo Renzi mentioned at least three times, to a personal decision she made recently.

“I quit smoking on May 1. Was that already a difficult period? It is not as if I have had a calm period since the beginning of the legislature. When you are going through a hard time, you can get all the bad things you need to do out of the way. You get rid of them and move on. Smoking was a bad weakness of mine,” the prime minister said.

The traces of the American president’s attacks remain fresh.

“I was truly shocked. I have read various theories, but I cannot say whether they are true. I do not intend to continue fueling this debate. Our bilateral work with the United States must return to normal. A strong relationship between the United States and Europe is important and I will not change my mind. We will do our part to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Meloni said.

As for European issues, after speaking about the creation of a “Georgia majority” regarding the immigration measures the EU would adopt from Rome, Meloni also addressed Thursday’s bilateral meeting between France and Italy in Antibes.

She said that with Macron she intends to open another discussion dossier as well.

“The Lebanese president has courageously expressed his willingness to negotiate directly with Israel. Italy can play an important role. I intend to discuss this with Macron on Thursday; in that area, Italy and France can work together. Among the most important issues in the dossier are cross-border cooperation, defense, space, energy and transport,” Meloni said.