Rome, 25 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump for his disparaging remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan.

Such derogatory statements were "unacceptable - especially when they come from an allied nation," she said, according to a statement from her office.

Trump once again claimed on Fox News that the US had never needed NATO. Several other NATO countries had sent troops to Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, but they had "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," Trump said.

Meloni demands respect from Trump

Meloni stated that NATO had, in an "extraordinary act of solidarity towards the US," activated Article 5 of the NATO Treaty for the only time in its history following the Islamist terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Italy had responded immediately and sent thousands of soldiers. Her country had paid a high price with dozens of fallen soldiers, Meloni said.

She stressed that while Italy and the US are connected by a solid friendship based on shared values, "friendship requires respect - a fundamental prerequisite to continue ensuring the solidarity that forms the foundation of the Atlantic alliance."

Meloni as a Trump sympathizer?

The far-right politician is among the European leaders with the best rapport with US President Trump.

Meloni has repeatedly tried to position herself as a Trump sympathizer, most recently regarding his claims over Greenland.

Photo: EPA