Former U.S. President Donald Trump heaped praise on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, calling her a “fantastic leader” and openly declaring, “I like her very much.” His words, filled with personal fondness and political approval, came during a public appearance where he discussed various global leaders and their influence on world affairs. This public endorsement is not just an expression of camaraderie; it reflects deeper ideological ties and a shared populist rhetoric that has defined both leaders in their respective countries.
Trump’s compliment is part of a broader trend in his political narrative — highlighting leaders who align with his nationalist and conservative values. Meloni, Italy’s first female Prime Minister and leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, has often been viewed as a counterpart to Trump in Europe. Both politicians advocate for strict immigration policies, national sovereignty, traditional family values, and are known for their anti-globalist sentiments.
“I know Giorgia Meloni — she’s strong, she’s tough, and she loves her country,” Trump said during the event. “She’s doing an incredible job for Italy, and she doesn’t bow to the globalists. I like her very much.” This kind of endorsement is not unusual from Trump, who has consistently praised leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro — figures who, like Meloni, have stirred both admiration and controversy for their bold political stances.
Trump’s fondness for Meloni may also stem from her rise to power against the odds. Much like Trump’s own 2016 election victory, Meloni’s ascent was initially dismissed by political analysts. Yet, in 2022, she led her party to a sweeping victory, and has since been navigating Italy through difficult terrain — from economic instability to managing its position within the European Union. Her unapologetic conservative voice has made her a beacon for right-wing politicians across the West.
What’s interesting about the Trump-Meloni dynamic is the ideological kinship despite cultural and geographical distance. Both leaders focus on national pride, criticize liberal elites, and portray themselves as champions of “the people.” Meloni, in her speeches, has often referred to defending “God, family, and country,” a sentiment that closely mirrors Trump’s rallying cries in the U.S.
Moreover, their mutual admiration underscores the evolving transatlantic alliance of populist leaders. With the political right gaining momentum in various European countries, leaders like Meloni are finding ideological allies in figures like Trump, who continue to wield influence in their own countries despite being out of office.
This transatlantic political chemistry might have broader implications as well. Should Trump win a second term in 2024, a partnership with Meloni could alter U.S.-EU relations, especially on contentious topics like immigration, energy independence, and globalism. While Meloni has so far maintained a cautious relationship with the European Union, her ties with a potential Trump administration could shift Italy’s stance further to the right on several international issues.
Critics, however, warn that Trump’s overt support for leaders like Meloni only emboldens the far-right and undermines democratic institutions. They argue that the shared rhetoric — often laden with nationalism and skepticism towards liberal democracies — can erode civil liberties and foster division. Yet, supporters view this alignment as a necessary pushback against what they perceive as overreach by global institutions and progressive ideologies.
For Meloni, Trump’s praise is a double-edged sword. While it boosts her standing among conservative circles worldwide, it may also complicate her relationship with other European leaders wary of Trump’s unpredictable approach to diplomacy. Still, she has so far skillfully balanced her domestic agenda with the demands of EU diplomacy, positioning herself as both a staunch nationalist and a pragmatic leader.
Trump’s warm words towards Giorgia Meloni signal more than just personal fondness. They reflect a broader political realignment taking place globally — one where traditional alliances are being reshaped by populist forces. Whether this newfound bond will translate into future political cooperation remains to be seen, but for now, Meloni seems to have found an unlikely fan in Donald Trump — one who admires her strength, resilience, and unapologetic patriotism.