Italian deputy prime minister says Rome will not respond to Trump's provocations

The Italian government will no longer respond to provocative posts by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media to avoid escalating polemics between allies.

Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani made this statement.

According to him, Trump "loves provocations, especially on social media."

"We <...> decided not to respond to such comments anymore, so as not to fuel disputes among our allies," Tajani said in an interview with La Stampa newspaper.

He also expressed the opinion that "the strength of transatlantic relations goes far beyond one post or a catchy expression," adding that Rome "is and remains a friend of the United States."

The day before, Trump mocked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Truth Social by posting a photo of her looking at him with the caption "a ban on approaching is necessary." Prior to this, the American leader and the Italian prime minister exchanged sharp remarks. In particular, the U.S. president accused the head of the Italian government of ingratitude and trying to boost his rating with a joint photo at the G7 summit. In response, Meloni advised Trump to worry about his own popularity, emphasizing that friendship with him did not help her ratings.

Earlier, the Italian prime minister publicly defended Pope Leo XIV, calling the American leader's statements about him unacceptable. Trump accuses Italy, like other European partners, of unwillingness to support the U.S. military operation against Iran and to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: TASS