Overview
- President Donald Trump amplified a video by MAGA activist Lynne Patton alleging Giorgia Meloni would cut support for Ukraine and pursue a direct trade agreement with the United States.
- Palazzo Chigi stated that trade negotiations are an exclusive European Commission competence and denied any unilateral tariff talks by Italy.
- Government sources confirmed a bilateral interlocution with Washington focused specifically on potential U.S. antidumping measures affecting some Italian pasta producers.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said Rome is working in step with the Commission while discussing sector issues with U.S. counterparts, citing a current 15% import tariff framework.
- Opposition parties, including the PD, AVS and Italia Viva, demanded that Meloni personally clarify Italy's stance and warned that any unilateral shift would damage European unity and credibility.