Tensions between Italy and the United States have reached a boiling point as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government clashes with President Joe Biden's administration. At the center of the dispute is a long-standing issue over defense spending, with the US pushing Italy to meet NATO's recommended 2% of GDP target. This comes as Meloni prepares to face a crucial re-election battle, with her right-wing coalition's popularity waning in recent polls. As the Italian premier navigates this treacherous landscape, her government's strained relationship with the US could have significant implications for Italy's future in the European Union and its role in global affairs.
Italian premier’s fallout with US president comes as she gears up for re-election battle