Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCrispian BalmerTuesday 14 April 2026 19:32 BSTItalian PM defends Pope from Trump attacksPresident Donald Trump has publicly criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking a significant shift in his stance towards a key European ally.Trump expressed disappointment in Meloni, stating she was "very different from what I thought" and that he was "shocked by her" courage.The criticism stems from Meloni's denouncement of Trump's comments on Pope Leo and her opposition to his decision to go to war with Iran.Trump accused Meloni of failing to support US efforts on energy security and Iran, and of expecting America "to do the job for her" regarding the Strait of Hormuz.Meloni's close ties with Trump, once seen as an asset, are now risking her political standing in Italy, with public opinion polls showing a negative view of Trump among Italians.In fullTrump turns on another European ally and says he is ‘shocked’ by herThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in