Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni sought to clarify remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding the potential use of military force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal, framing them as strategic warnings rather than genuine territorial ambitions.
Speaking at an annual press conference, Meloni said, “I think we can exclude that the United States in the coming years will try to use force to annex territory that interests it.”
She characterised Trump’s comments as a signal to rival global powers, particularly China, about their increasing influence over these critical regions.
Trump had earlier declared both Greenland and the Panama Canal vital to American national security, refusing to rule out military action to secure them.
Analysts, however, cautioned that such rhetoric risks emboldening adversaries like Russia and China.
Meloni explained, “This is a message to some other big global players more than any hostile claim over these countries.”
She highlighted Chinese activity in the Panama Canal and Greenland’s resources as key triggers behind Trump’s remarks, interpreting them as part of a broader dialogue among great powers.
The Italian leader, who visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate last weekend, confirmed she hopes to attend his inauguration on 20 January, pending scheduling. “If I can, I will gladly participate,” she said.
Addressing Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Meloni voiced confidence in continued U.S. support for Kyiv despite Trump’s campaign claims of resolving the war in a single day.
She noted, “Donald Trump understands this well,” referencing the importance of Western aid in countering Russian aggression.
“Frankly, I don't see a disengagement and I don't read this in (Trump's) statements,” she added, commending his diplomacy of deterrence during his previous tenure.
Separately, Meloni celebrated the successful return of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Iran for three weeks. Her release involved “diplomatic triangulation” between Italy, Iran, and the United States.
The case intersected with that of Iranian engineer Mohammad Abedini, detained in Italy on a U.S. extradition request over a 2024 drone attack in Jordan that killed three American soldiers.
Meloni confirmed that Washington’s interests were factored into negotiations but emphasised that the matter now rests with the Italian justice system.
Meloni expressed regret at not being able to discuss the Abedini case further with President Joe Biden, who cancelled his Rome visit due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
“These talks have taken place and will continue,” she assured.
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