Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump praises populist Italian prime minister for ‘being tough’ on immigration

The populist Italian prime minister was elected earlier this summer

Chris Riotta
New York
Monday 30 July 2018 20:41 BST
Comments
Tump says border security includes the wall in joint press conference with Italian PM Antonio Conte

Donald Trump celebrated Giuseppe Conte's hard-line approach to immigration during the newly-elected Italian prime minister's first visit to the White House.

The world leaders discussed their views on immigration and the global migrant crisis during a press conference, with Mr Trump praising Mr Conte for their shared ideologies. The president claimed Mr Conte had been "tough" on illegal immigration since his appointment just two months ago, and that Italy had been under “enormous strain” due to the issue.

The Italian prime minister was invited to the White House on Monday to discuss immigration and trade, officials said. During their Monday press conference, Mr Trump threatened a government shut down ahead of the 2018 midterm elections if border security was not strengthened.

The president tweeted earlier in the day, "I would be willing to 'shut down' government if the Democrats do not give us the votes for Border Security, which includes the Wall! Must get rid of Lottery, Catch & Release etc. and finally go to system of Immigration based on MERIT!"

His comments were met with swift backlash from Democratic officials, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, whose spokesperson said the president "should stay on the golf course and stay out of the appropriations process" for government funding negotiations.

During their press conference, Mr Trump said Italy "got tired" of the nation’s immigration policies leading up to Mr Conte's appointment.

However, the president stressed that he would "always leave room for negotiation" in an effort to avoid a government shutdown, though he went on to add that he has “no red line.”

"I would certainly be willing to close it down to get it done," he added.

Mr Conte also praised Mr Trump for the invitation to the White House, promising to strengthen US-Italy relations during his tenure as prime minister.

Mr Trump and Mr Conte appear to have some traits in common, besides their seemingly shared views on immigration. Both men had little political experience before climbing to the top of their nations’ political circles, with neither ever holding elected office.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in