Donald Trump returns to attack Italy on the international and military front. In an exclusive phone call with Corriere della Sera, the president of the United States confirmed that he is still evaluating the possible movement of American troops from Italian bases, suggesting strong discontent with Rome.
Trump did not want to comment on the hypothesis of a transfer of contingents from Germany to the eastern front of NATO, but on Italy he was clear: “Italy was not there when we needed her. And I have always been there for Italy, and so has my country”, he declared to the Italian newspaper. The American president’s words arrive the day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Rome and are part of a climate of diplomatic tension linked to international balances and the role of European allies in recent geopolitical crises.
During the interview, Trump also responded to the hypothesis of an Italian contribution with minesweepers after a possible ceasefire in Iran. Also in this case, the tycoon reiterated his critical position: “Italy wasn’t there when we needed it.” Statements that risk rekindling the debate on relations between Washington and Rome, especially in terms of military cooperation and the presence of US bases on Italian territory.