Trump and Meloni’s transatlantic divorce is important

The growing rift between the U.S. and its traditional European allies has accelerated in recent months with the unexpected fracture in the once close relationship between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The two populist leaders have recently begun to distance themselves from each other, despite previously bonding over their mutual opposition to mass immigration, cultural “wokeness,” and their reluctance to provide Ukraine with a NATO security guarantee before a peace agreement is reached with Russia.

This public transatlantic break-up began when Meloni criticized U.S. military actions in Iran, and Italy refused to allow U.S. bombers to refuel at a southern Italian military base before striking Iran. Meloni also sided with France, Spain, the U.K., and Germany in declining to participate in mine sweeping and other military operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during Iran’s initial blockade of the strategic waterway.

This decision by Meloni disappointed the Trump administration, since Italy is very dependent on the Gulf region for its energy resources. Around 21 percent of Italy’s oil and gas imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and Italy is a top European importer of liquefied natural gas from the Gulf. A few days after Italy’s decision to side with its European allies and reject President Trump’s request to assist the U.S. in policing the Strait, Trump expressed “shock” at Meloni’s “lack of courage,” and he told reporters that they have not spoken for months, and he has no plans to call her anytime soon.

Meloni, who once highlighted her role as the bridge between the U.S. and the European Union, has quietly transitioned away........

© The Hill