US-Italy rift over tariffs and NATO cools alliance
The souring of relations between Washington and Rome is straining transatlantic trade ties and altering how American expats are perceived by Italians.
Relations between Italy and the US have cooled significantly in recent months. The once-strong political alignment between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has fractured amid escalating disputes over tariffs, Greenland, and NATO.
For European markets and businesses, this deterioration signals deepening transatlantic uncertainty. Disputes over trade tariffs directly threaten commercial ties, while friction over NATO and European defence spending jeopardises the security framework that underpins the continental economy.
Beyond high-level diplomacy, the political shift is having a tangible social impact. The US State Department issued a worldwide security caution in March, warning Americans abroad of growing anti-American sentiment. In Italy, this warning aligns with the changing experiences of US citizens on the ground.
Overtourism and geopolitical tensions are combining to shift local attitudes. An American resident in Florence reported that after arriving five years ago to a welcoming environment, Italians now increasingly view Americans through the lens of the "Yankee go home" graffiti seen around the city.
Other expats report a mix of pity and political probing rather than outright hostility. Anthony Joseph Durrett in Alessandria observed that "most Italians feel sorry for us." David, a recent arrival from Texas, noted that Italians and other Europeans are "visibly relieved" when he assures them he does not support Trump or MAGA.
Long-term residents feel the strain of representing an administration at odds with Europe. Colleen, who has lived in Perugia for 23 years, said she feels "very embarrassed and betrayed," stating she had never previously felt the need to apologize for being American until Trump's "bizarre treatment of America’s allies in Europe."
Some in the expat community still note a degree of understanding. Linda Tosti, a dual citizen in Arona, observed that locals mostly recognize Trump "is not the majority of the US." However, the community is not entirely unified in its criticism of the administration.
A reader in Naples agreed with Trump's premise that allies are not doing enough, though they disagreed with his "confrontational tactics." Paul, living near Padova, defended the president's stance on NATO, arguing he is "acting in what he sees as the best interests of the US. Just as any other world leader would do for their country," and hopes Trump and Meloni "will work out their differences."
The prevailing anxiety among expats centres on permanent damage to the alliance. Wes Isley, a resident of Vasto, warned that if Trump, Rubio, and Hegseth do not soften their approaches, Italians "may lose their love for citizens, too." He cautioned that if the US permanently damages these relationships, it may find European allies less willing to offer support when Washington actually needs it.
