Italian Prime Minister Meloni to Skip UNGA Amid Public Feud with Trump
Meloni's absence marks the first time in 15 years an Italian leader has not attended the UN General Assembly's high-level debate, breaking with tradition as tensions with former President Trump continue.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will not attend the United Nations General Assembly this week, an official confirmed to Fox News Digital. This decision breaks a nearly 15-year stretch in which an Italian prime minister participated in the UNGA’s annual high-level debate, though the 2020 assembly was largely virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meloni cited a demanding schedule, having attended six summits in three and a half weeks and needing to address "several dossiers" at home. Her absence also means she will avoid another face-to-face encounter with former President Donald Trump, whose public criticisms have recently strained their previously warm relationship.
Despite a history of strong ties, including Meloni being the only European leader to attend Trump's 2025 inauguration, recent international summits have seen their tensions escalate publicly. The spat intensified in June when Trump claimed Meloni "begged" him for a photo at the G7. Months earlier, Meloni had expressed disapproval of Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV and opposed U.S. military action against Iran.
Trump further criticized Meloni in July via Truth Social, posting "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED" alongside a photo of her looking at him during a NATO summit. Meloni responded by stating Trump's claims were "completely made up" and that neither she nor Italy "ever beg."
In a June interview with Italy’s La7, Trump had described Meloni’s alleged eagerness for a photo as him taking pity on her. Meloni countered that it was disappointing Trump did not display similar resolve toward "the enemies of the West and of the United States," leaders whom he treated with more leniency. She also criticized Trump for not showing the same firmness against Iran, suggesting he was more accommodating to adversaries.
Trump also publicly rebuked Meloni for allegedly failing to assist the U.S. by not allowing American forces to use Italy's landing strips and runways for operations related to Iran, calling it "a great logistical inconvenience." He suggested her popularity in Italy was suffering because she had "turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy."
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated ahead of the summit that Italy views the United Nations as a fundamental instrument for peace and desires a stronger role for the organization. He confirmed Italy's presence and participation in numerous initiatives, noting an Italian candidate leading the Food and Agriculture Organization. Tajani is expected to address the conference on Wednesday.
Italy remains a crucial security hub for the U.S. in Europe, hosting approximately 13,000 active-duty American service members as of December 2025, with personnel stationed in Vicenza, Aviano, Naples, and Sicily.