Trump Breaks With Meloni, Italy’s Leader, Amid Dispute Over Pope and Iran

New York Times
by Jason Horowitz
April 15, 2026
2 min read

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President Trump has broken with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over disputes concerning the Pope and Iran.

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President Trump has broken with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s leader, amid a dispute concerning the Pope and Iran. This development signals a potential strain in a relationship where Meloni was previously considered one of President Trump’s closest European allies. The disagreement jeopardizes their friendship, indicating a possible shift in diplomatic ties between the United States and Italy. This divergence could impact future international cooperation and alliances, particularly regarding policy toward the Vatican and Iran.

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