Energy policy and European fuel exports

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn before boarding Marine One for Alabama, US President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration will not impose an export ban on diesel to Europe. Trump stated that an export ban was never really considered, despite threatening a block the previous month and recent confirmation from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that officials were evaluating full or partial restrictions. Trump praised European governments as exceptional for releasing substantial volumes from emergency diesel and crude reserves to ease pressure on fuel markets.

“We will not impose any export ban. We will do what we have to do... We will have large quantities of oil available.”

Trump stated that European partners maintain substantial diesel stockpiles and agreed to release supplies after discussions. The decision follows coordinated steps by G7 countries to tap strategic oil and diesel reserves, avoiding further price fluctuations on international fuel markets ahead of the US voting period.

Diplomacy with Giorgia Meloni

Trump also addressed diplomatic ties with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, calling their relationship very good and stating that he has always liked her. When questioned by an Italian journalist at the White House, Trump repeated that he likes Meloni and sought to put past disagreements behind both administrations. The statements alter the tone of bilateral relations following months of friction regarding European NATO commitments and military operations in the Middle East. Relations between the two leaders had moved through multiple phases across 2025 and 2026, alternating between public praise and diplomatic distance.

Background of the summer dispute

Public friction between the two administrations developed on 19 June 2026, when Trump stated in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had begged for a photograph during the G7 summit in France and that he spoke to her out of pity. Trump subsequently accused the Italian government of turning its back on the United States by denying permission to use strategic military bases, specifically the Sigonella installation in Sicily, for US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

“One thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg.”

Meloni released a video response asserting Italian sovereignty and adherence to existing agreements. Following a subsequent critique by Trump regarding her domestic approval ratings, Meloni posted on Instagram that her popularity did not depend on her relationship with him. In early July 2026, Trump shared a meme on Truth Social showing Meloni looking at him with a caption stating that a restraining order was needed. Reporting in the Financial Times noted that the post reflected grievances over European NATO allies refusing base access during the Iran campaign.

Domestic campaign travel

Trump delivered the remarks on European trade and diplomacy during travel across several states to support Republican candidates for the November congressional midterm elections. The tour included stops in Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, an appearance in Alabama on Friday, and a scheduled visit to Ohio on Saturday. Republican organizers seek to rally base voters and avoid seat losses in Congress during the midterm vote.