Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Tricolors waving, applause, and chants. For one Sunday, Giorgia Meloni chooses the feathers of the Alpine troops to dribble Donald Trump's quiff. Gemona del Friuli, the heart of a land that shook and rose again fifty years ago, is the prime minister's chosen antidote to the war of words waged with the White House tenant after the Evian G7 summit, which has been gracing every homepage for days.
A blitz, almost an escape. To rediscover, she herself says, "that healthy national pride" she needed. Especially now, at a time marked by tensions in relations between Rome and Washington.
The line, however, has already been drawn. It's enough to respond to Trump: it's the diktat from Palazzo Chigi, and Meloni posted it on social media yesterday, after the tycoon's attacks, which continued into Sunday evening.
"I won't return to the subject," Meloni said, "because I still believe in the unity of the West." Period. The controversy that has circulated around the world is shelved. The rest, for now, is silence. Institutional silence, at least. Because on social media, it's a whole different story.
And while Meloni chose not to add a word, the numbers speak for themselves: among the prime minister's entourage, the massive increase in followers on Instagram is particularly notable, the platform where her latest posts have received the highest engagement rate.
Other channels also saw growth, but on a much smaller scale: Instagram continues to churn out numbers even now. The harsh debate with Trump, in short, seems to be paying off, at least in terms of visibility. And even the young people of the Brothers of Italy party know it: the Instagram page of Atreju—the annual party that brings together the FdI audience—published, as a mockery, a photo of the hand gesture that, according to reports, infuriated the tycoon during the G7.
Meanwhile, ministers are circling the prime minister, engaged in the delicate task of putting out fires without sounding too much like firefighters. Among the few to speak out, on the sidelines of an event in Trivigliano, is Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: "Despite President Trump's incomprehensible statements, relations between Italy and the United States are solid and will remain solid because they are historic ties." In managing relations with the White House, "common sense, moderation, and prudence are always required," adds the Foreign Ministry head. "Always keeping a straight face, responding when accusations are unfounded, but always looking to the North Star of our foreign policy: the transatlantic relationship and the defense of the West, because the West is our identity."
Guido Crosetto, speaking on Radio 24, agrees, admitting he doesn't understand the rationale behind America's moves: "Our ties with the United States don't depend on governments or prime ministers; they are profound and solid. I didn't understand Trump's attitude these days, especially since, from what I'd seen on television, it seemed to me that there was no problem in relations with Italy." The Defense Minister adds that the connection with Washington hasn't been broken: "My relations with the United States, even in these hours, are still absolutely normal and haven't changed, including those with the American ambassador to Italy, with whom I have excellent relations." Then, almost as if seeking an explanation where there isn't a rational one: "Many of Trump's actions stem from his own reflections, perhaps often not shared, but there's nothing from a defense perspective that can be blamed on Italy."
Matteo Salvini, from Milan, is the most abrupt: "I hope this period of misunderstanding ends quickly and we can get back to working together." And when asked about the insults to the prime minister, he responds bluntly: "Personal attacks must not result in compromising diplomatic, trade, and industrial relations. We have not one, but a hundred open issues with the United States." Then he declares: "For me, it's game over."
The date circled on the calendar is July 2nd. At Villa Taverna—the residence of the American ambassador to Rome—the reception ahead of Independence Day on July 4th will be held. Last year, ministers and parliamentarians, including those from the opposition, flocked to the event. Meloni was in the front row, and in front of Ambassador Tilman J. Fertitta, she said that Italy and the US "speak the same language." In the first hours after Trump's attacks, some in the executive branch had speculated about a mass desertion: "I doubt anyone would go after such a brazen attack." Today, a clearer line is emerging. Whoever wants to go, can go. No diktats. "There's plenty of time between now and July 2nd," Salvini says. "We'll certainly do something coordinated with our government colleagues. It's not as if one does one thing and another does another."
There are too many interests at stake, too many issues—from trade to the most sensitive international negotiations—for a dispute, however loud, to truly undermine the Rome-Washington axis. Or at least, that's the thinking at Palazzo Chigi. In the corridors, however, some are not hiding. And in government circles, a darker interpretation is filtering through: the American one is a "broader strategy," aimed at destabilizing Europe by supporting the continent's sovereignist forces ("AfD, Le Pen, Orban, Farage, and of course Vannacci..."). A single voice. But one that says something about the climate, even within the majority, in this already heated June. (by Antonio Atte)
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