The Washington Times, April 20, 2017 – President Trump didn’t sugar-coat it Thursday when contradicting Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni’s argument that the U.S. should play a “very critical role” in stabilizing Libya after the defeat of the Islamic State there.
“I don’t see a role in Libya,” Mr. Trump flatly responded at joint press conference at the White House, following the two leader’s first face-to-face meeting.
Mr. Trump also promised to pressure Mr. Gentiloni about fulfilling Italy’s commitment to pay 2 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to NATO. Italy pays about 1 percent.
That’s a pet peeve for Mr. Trump. He repeatedly has said that NATO members don’t pay their fair share and the U.S. pays too much for military defense in Europe.
Mr. Trump reacted with glee when a reporter asked Mr. Gentiloni about the NATO payments.
“I love the question you asked the prime minister. I look forward to his answer,” Mr. Trump said to laughter from the audience. “Because I’m going to be asking him that same question very soon.”