Italy's Leader Says No to Trump Pulling US Soldiers Out of Italy

Italy's leader, Giorgia Meloni, told the New York Times (21 August 2026) she opposes any plan by President Trump to remove US soldiers based in Italy. Until now she has stayed on good terms with Trump. Her stance shows the tension between keeping allies — like NATO, a group of countries that defend each other — and Trump's wish to cut US forces in Europe.