"Mud They Throw At Us...": Giorgia Meloni's Shoutout For PM Modi, Trump

Washington, DC  – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has launched a strong defense of right-wing leadership worldwide while criticizing what she described as the "liberal network" and its double standards. Speaking via video link at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington DC on Saturday, she praised U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while attacking left-wing elites for their "hysteria" over the rise of conservative leaders.

Meloni Calls Out the Left's "Hypocrisy"

In her speech, PM Meloni argued that liberals are "increasingly frustrated" as right-wing politicians gain momentum globally, particularly after Trump’s return to the White House.

"When Bill Clinton and Tony Blair created the global leftist liberal network in the '90s, they were called statesmen," she said. "Today, when Trump, Meloni, (Javier) Milei, or maybe (Narendra) Modi talk, they are called a threat to democracy. This is the Left's double standard, but we are used to it. And the good news is people no longer believe in their lies. Despite all the mud they throw at us, citizens keep voting for us."

The Italian leader also expressed confidence that Trump would remain steadfast in his alignment with global conservatives, despite pressure from political opponents.

"The Left is nervous, and with Trump's victory, their irritation has turned into hysteria. Not only because conservatives are winning, but because conservatives are now collaborating globally," she said.

Only EU Leader at Trump’s Inauguration

PM Meloni has been one of Trump’s strongest allies in Europe. She was the only EU head of government to attend his inauguration in January 2025, further cementing her ties with the Trump administration.

Her close association with CPAC, a key conservative gathering in the U.S., has drawn significant backlash from her political opponents in Italy.

Backlash in Italy Over CPAC Speech

Meloni's speech at CPAC came amid controversy over former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who appeared to make a Nazi salute during the conference earlier this week. The gesture led to widespread condemnation, with French far-right leader Jordan Bardella withdrawing from CPAC, calling Bannon’s action "a gesture alluding to Nazi ideology."

Opposition leaders in Italy demanded Meloni cancel her participation at CPAC. Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s center-left Democratic Party, called on the prime minister to distance herself from the event.

"She should have the decency to disassociate herself from this neo-fascist gathering," Schlein said. "She has not said a word for days about Trump's insults and frontal attacks on Ukraine and the European Union. She is unable to defend Italian and European interests because she does not want to displease the new American administration."

Meloni Defends Transatlantic Ties Amid Trump’s NATO Remarks

Despite concerns over Trump’s diplomatic outreach to Russia and his warnings about shifting U.S. policy on NATO, Meloni insisted that U.S.-Europe relations remain strong.

"The United States and Europe will remain close under Trump," she claimed, seeking to reassure European allies amid uncertainty over America’s future role in global security.

Meloni’s CPAC speech underscored the growing global collaboration among right-wing leaders, with figures like Trump, Modi, and Argentina’s Javier Milei emerging as key allies. However, her alignment with the U.S. conservative movement has intensified political tensions in Italy and across Europe.

As Trump’s administration takes shape, Meloni's position in the transatlantic political landscape will be closely watched, particularly regarding Italy’s role in NATO, EU relations, and the shifting dynamics of global conservatism.