Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken issued a warning to President Donald Trump on Tuesday, urging him to cease his criticisms of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Francken emphasized that Trump is not in charge in Europe, where Meloni is considered a leading figure.
In an interview with Politico, Francken highlighted the ongoing need for U.S. military support in Europe for the next decade. He cautioned European leaders against alienating Trump while also advising the president to be cautious in his approach.
“We need him as an ally, but hands off Meloni,” said Francken, a member of Belgium’s New Flemish Alliance party, during his conversation with Politico. “She is a dominant force in the center-right of Europe. Let her be.”
Trump recently reignited his longstanding dispute with Meloni by posting an image from the G7 summit in France. The image showed the much shorter Italian prime minister looking up at Trump, accompanied by the text “RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED.”
This is not the first time Trump has targeted NATO allies and female leaders.
Last year, Trump referred to Meloni as “a beautiful young woman,” but later claimed she had “begged” for a photo with him at the G7, a gesture he said he granted out of pity.
Meloni countered these claims in a social media post, calling Trump’s story “completely fabricated.”
Francken assessed that Europe is still “five to 10 years” away from achieving the military strength needed to defend itself without U.S. support. He urged European leaders to maintain a positive relationship with the United States in the meantime.
Left: Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press; Right: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Francken’s comments come as EU countries increase defense spending amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine and concerns over potential threats from President Vladimir Putin. This follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to review U.S. military expenditures in Europe.
Francken expressed frustration over the dispute between Trump and Meloni, describing it as a needless distraction. He told Politico, “I admire her, she’s conservative, aligned with our views … and yet there’s a conflict over a photo!”
In response to what he termed “serious and offensive” conduct from Trump, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States in June. Trump had also told NBC News that Meloni was “a big fan” and was “struggling in Italy.”
Video footage from the G7 showed no indication of Meloni “begging.” In her social media response, she stated, “Italy and I do not beg.” Francken urged both parties to de-escalate the situation.
He advised, “We need the Americans, so let’s be diplomatic, pay attention to their words, and approach them with caution.”
