Full Breakdown
Meloni-Trump Row Over U.S. Aircraft Use in Italy Fuels Diplomatic Tension
6/27/2026, 10:38:48 PM
Row Over the Use of Italian Bases
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told Fox News that roughly 500 U.S. aircraft had taken off from American bases in Italy to support “Operation Epic Fury,” the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran. Italy’s defence ministry rejected the claim, saying only technical and logistical flights covered by bilateral basing agreements were authorised and no combat sorties were permitted.
Chronology of the Dispute
On June 22, at the G7 summit, President Donald Trump claimed Meloni “begged” for a selfie, sparking a spat. Rutte’s June 24 comment about 500 U.S. aircraft prompted Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to reject the claim. The following day Meloni’s foreign minister cancelled a Washington visit and skipped July 2 Independence-Day reception. On June 27 Meloni met President Emmanuel Macron in Antibes. An Ankara NATO summit in early August will bring Trump and Meloni together since G7.
Political Stakes
The row tests Italy-U.S. security partnership and strains NATO. Polls indicate the Brothers of Italy at 28.6 % support, while Meloni’s favourability is 35 % (YouGov) and 44 % approval (Ipsos), down from 57 % in 2023. The strain may push Italy toward a closer Franco-Italian alliance, as seen in the Antibes summit and joint defence, nuclear and satellite plans.
Official Statements & Responses
Guido Crosetto said Italy authorised only treaty-compliant flights and called Rutte’s claim “completely fallacious.” Mark Rutte argued Europe is a platform for U.S. power projection, noting thousands of planes took off from European bases for Epic Fury. Trump said Meloni “is doing poorly in Italy … because she turned down the United States of America.” Macron said “We need each other.”
Criticism & Opposition
Green MP Angelo Bonelli accused Meloni of deceiving Italians and parliament. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte demanded an immediate parliamentary clarification, while Nicola Fratoianni warned that either the government misled lawmakers or Rutte “has suffered a heatstroke.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rutte’s estimate of ? 500 aircraft suggests combat use, whereas Italy insists only non-kinetic, logistical flights occurred. A NATO spokesperson later clarified that Rutte was highlighting existing bilateral basing agreements, not new combat authorisations, leaving the factual gap unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was very insulting, so I fully understand Giorgia Meloni’s reaction, which is one of national pride,” — Marine Le Pen, French leader
- “This might be a tough situation to turn around,” — Gianni Riotta, vice-chair, US-Italy Council
- “Only flights compliant with the Treaties; Rutte's message is completely fallacious,” — Guido Crosetto, Defence Minister
- “highlighted how Allies including Italy carried out their existing bilateral agreements in the context of basing and overflights.” — NATO official
Outlook: NATO Summit and Franco-Italian Cooperation
The Ankara NATO summit will be the first venue where Trump and Meloni sit together since the G7, offering a litmus test for de-escalation. Italy and France also aim to finalise a defence roadmap covering the SAMP/T air-defence system, nuclear collaboration and a joint European satellite project, signalling a shift toward deeper EU security ties.
