Overview

• In a video address, Giorgia Meloni said the United States and Italy are the pillars of the free world and accused so‑called woke culture of trying to divide the two countries.
• Meloni declared that Columbus Day will stay and thanked President Donald Trump for last week’s proclamation restoring the celebration, quoting from the text.
• Trump amplified her remarks by posting a 21‑second clip of Meloni on Truth Social and by reposting a message praising her.
• A message from President Sergio Mattarella, read by Ambassador Marco Peronaci, lauded the ingenuity and industry of Italian‑Americans and saluted NIAF’s 50 years.
• The Washington gala gathered political, business and cultural figures, with Italian media reporting honors for Andrea Bocelli, John Elkann and Aurelio De Laurentiis and noting side meetings on transatlantic trade and investment.