Rubio Signals Trump Will Maintain Outspoken Stance On Allies Despite Diplomatic Tone in Italy Visit

Mintesinot Niggusie

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump will continue to speak openly on US policy even if it strains relations with allies, as diplomatic engagements in Italy this week contrasted with sharper political tensions.

Rubio made the remarks in Rome on Friday, describing Trump’s approach as consistent with a direct communication style on foreign policy. “The president will always speak clearly about how he feels about the U.S. and U.S. policy,” Rubio told reporters.

The trip was widely viewed in Italian media as part of efforts to stabilise relations after Trump reportedly described Meloni and Pope Leo as weak in response to their positions on Iran. At the Vatican, Rubio presented Pope Leo with a crystal football bearing the State Department emblem.

In Rome, Meloni presented Rubio with genealogical documents tracing his family roots to Piedmont. Rubio said receiving the documents was a “true honour” and suggested he may visit Piedmont in the future. He also indicated he would like to learn Italian.

Meloni, who leads Italy’s right-wing government, had been considered one of Europe’s closest ideological partners to Trump. However, diplomatic tensions linked to the Iran conflict have contributed to a cooling in relations.

Rubio concluded his visit by emphasizing that while symbols of peace and heritage are important, the administration would always act based on what it perceives to be in the best interest of the United States.