Meloni Pushes Back with Sharp Wit as Italy Rejects Calls to Distance Itself from the US Amid Greenland Tensions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sparked attention with a pointed and ironic remark while responding to questions about the United States and former President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly in light of recent rhetoric surrounding Greenland. Speaking at her traditional New Year press conference in Rome on Friday, January 9, 2026, Meloni firmly dismissed suggestions that Italy should reconsider its ties with Washington following diplomatic frictions during Trump’s second term.
When pressed by journalists on how Italy should respond to what some critics describe as aggressive US foreign policy—especially references to Greenland—Meloni used sharp sarcasm to underline what she sees as the lack of realistic alternatives. Challenging her critics, she asked them to clearly define what “standing up firmly” to the US actually means. Should Italy leave NATO? Shut down American military bases? Cut off trade ties? Or, she quipped, “attack McDonald’s?” Her remarks were aimed at exposing what she described as the impracticality and theatrics behind calls to distance Italy from its long-standing ally.
Meloni, often viewed as one of the few European leaders capable of maintaining a working relationship with Trump, stressed that Italy’s global credibility rests on two non-negotiable pillars: its membership in the European Union and its role in the Atlantic alliance through NATO. According to her, projecting strength in diplomacy does not mean embracing isolationism or dismantling alliances that have defined Italy’s security and economic stability for decades.
Quoting her remarks reported by Japan Today, Meloni acknowledged that disagreements among allies are inevitable. She noted that national interests do not always align perfectly and said she does not automatically agree with every position taken by Washington. While Italy shares common ground with the US on certain international issues—such as Venezuela—she made it clear that she strongly disagrees with recent American statements regarding Greenland. Still, she argued that such differences should be seen as part of a “mature alliance,” not as justification for unraveling long-standing cooperation.
Tensions within NATO have risen following renewed US assertions over Greenland, including suggestions—floated in American political discourse—of using military means to secure the strategically significant, Denmark-administered territory. Meloni categorically rejected any support for military action against Greenland, warning that such a move would have “serious consequences” for NATO’s unity and credibility.
Rather than advocating distance from the United States, Meloni proposed a broader, alliance-wide response. She called for NATO to initiate a serious internal debate and to strengthen its presence in the Arctic region. According to her, a coordinated strategy involving all allies would be a far more effective way to address US security concerns, particularly the growing influence of rival powers such as Russia and China in the Arctic.
By blending humor with firm geopolitical messaging, Meloni made clear that Italy’s approach will focus on engagement, alliance management, and collective strategy—rather than symbolic gestures or abrupt breaks from its traditional partners.