Trump and Russian Insults Backfire as Giorgia Meloni Gains Political Momentum in Italy

A wave of criticism from both Washington and Moscow has unexpectedly strengthened Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at home, uniting parts of her fractured opposition and briefly boosting her political standing.

Tensions escalated after US President Donald Trump branded Meloni “unacceptable” over her stance on his criticism of Pope Leo XIV. He went further, questioning her judgement and warning she was ignoring the risks posed by Iran, comments that quickly made headlines across Europe.

The row did not end there. Russian state television commentator Vladimir Solovyov later launched a verbal attack on Meloni, calling her a “certifiable idiot” and a “disgrace to the human race” over her support for Ukraine and what he described as her “betrayal” of Trump.

Rome responded swiftly, summoning the Russian ambassador in protest. Meloni herself issued a pointed message on social media, rejecting what she called propaganda and insisting her government answers only to Italy’s interests.

“We, unlike others, have no strings attached, no masters, and we take no orders,” she wrote on X, adding that Italy’s direction is guided solely by national interest.

Rather than weakening her position, the dual attacks appear to have shifted domestic political dynamics in her favour. Analysts say even opposition figures have been forced into an unusual position of defending her against foreign criticism.

Giovanni Orsina, a political science professor at Luiss University in Rome, said the backlash has complicated efforts by Meloni’s critics to portray her as overly aligned with Trump. He argued that the nature of the insults has made public criticism of her more difficult.

Italy’s political tensions also intersect with President Sergio Mattarella, who often disagrees with Meloni on domestic issues but has also pushed back against foreign attacks on Italian leadership.

Public sentiment appears to be following a similar trend. Recent polling suggests Meloni’s approval rating, which dipped after a referendum setback, has recovered to pre-referendum levels.

The episode also highlights Meloni’s shifting international positioning. Once labelled a close ally of Trump, including a high-profile visit to his Mar-a-Lago residence, she has recently taken a more cautious diplomatic line, including distancing Italy from certain aspects of US and Israeli policy in the Middle East.

Even opposition leader Elly Schlein joined in condemning the foreign insults, stressing that no external leader should undermine Italy’s sovereignty, despite political disagreements at home.

For now, the controversy has had an unusual effect: turning a politically vulnerable moment into a rallying point. But with Italy’s next general election expected in 2027, analysts warn the long-term impact will depend on whether this surge in solidarity translates into sustained public support.