Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly condemned US President Donald Trump's characterization of NATO allies' performance in Afghanistan, calling his remarks "unacceptable" and asserting that friendship between nations requires mutual respect.
The rebuke, delivered in unusually sharp language for the typically Trump-aligned Italian leader, followed comments by Trump on Fox News in which he claimed NATO allies "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during the Afghanistan campaign.
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. When the United States invoked NATO's Article 5 following the September 11, 2001 attacks—the only time in the alliance's history that collective defense provision has been triggered—allied nations responded immediately with troops, resources, and political commitment. Italy deployed thousands of soldiers to Afghanistan and sustained dozens of casualties over two decades of combat operations.
"These statements are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied nation," Meloni said in a statement released by her office. "Italy answered the call of Article 5 without hesitation. Our soldiers fought and died alongside American forces on the same battlefields."
The Italian leader's response represents a significant moment in transatlantic relations. Meloni has generally maintained cordial relations with Trump, sharing his skepticism toward some European Union policies and his conservative political orientation. Her willingness to publicly criticize the American president signals the depth of offense caused by his remarks.
Historical records support Meloni's position. NATO forces, including significant contingents from Italy, Germany, France, Britain, and other allies, participated extensively in combat operations throughout Afghanistan. The alliance suffered over 1,000 non-American combat deaths during the campaign, with Britain losing 456 service members and France 90.
"Friendship requires respect as a foundational principle of the Atlantic alliance," Meloni continued. "While Italy and the United States share strong bonds based on common values, those bonds cannot survive if one partner disparages the sacrifices made by the other."
The incident adds to growing strain within NATO as Trump pursues what critics describe as a transactional approach to alliance politics. His administration has repeatedly pressured European allies to increase defense spending while questioning the value of collective security commitments.
Other European leaders have expressed similar frustration with Trump's characterization of allied contributions, though few have responded as directly as Meloni. German and French officials limited themselves to statements noting their countries' extensive military contributions to NATO operations.
The White House has not formally responded to Meloni's statement, and Trump has not modified his position on allied military contributions.
