Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused the Left of panicking over US President Donald Trump’s return. She also called liberals hypocrites for labeling global conservatives a “threat to democracy.”

Speaking via videolink at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Meloni praised Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Meanwhile, she criticized political elites and left-wing leaders for their double standards.

Magnificent Giorgia Meloni 🇮🇹#CPAC pic.twitter.com/RJJqjbIjvh

— Christian Ricchiuti 🇮🇹 (@ChrisRicchiuti) February 22, 2025

Meloni Condemns Double Standards

Meloni argued that the Left’s frustration had turned into hysteria. According to her, they feared conservatives not only for winning elections but also for working together globally.

“For instance, when Bill Clinton and Tony Blair created the global leftist liberal network in the 90s, they were called statesmen,” she said. “Today, when Trump, Meloni, Milei, or maybe Modi talk, they are called a threat to democracy. This is the last double standard, but we are used to it, and the good news is people no longer believe in their lies, despite all the mud they throw at us. Citizens keep voting for us,” she added.

Backing Trump and JD Vance

Furthermore, Meloni called Trump a strong and reliable leader. She dismissed claims that his presidency would divide conservatives.

“Our adversaries hope that President Trump will move away from us, but knowing him as a strong and effective leader, I bet that those who hope for divisions will be proven wrong,” she said.

Similarly, she defended JD Vance, who had faced criticism for saying Europe’s biggest threat came “from within” at the Munich Security Conference. She rejected the backlash, arguing that liberals disliked conservatives speaking openly about identity, democracy, and free speech.

“Vice President Vance was discussing something deeper: identity, democracy, freedom of speech,” she said.

Meloni Stands Firm Amid Criticism

Meanwhile, Italian opposition leaders urged Meloni to cancel her CPAC appearance. The controversy intensified after former Trump advisor Steve Bannon appeared to make a Nazi-style salute at the event.

As a result, Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein condemned CPAC as a “neo-fascist gathering.” She called on Meloni to distance herself from it. However, Meloni ignored the criticism. Instead, she delivered her speech and strengthened her ties with conservatives worldwide.

Defending Conservative Leadership

Finally, Meloni reaffirmed her beliefs. She rejected the idea that leaders should control people.

“We serve the people, we do not rule over them,” she said.

Despite opposition pressure, Meloni stood by her conservative allies. In the end, she made it clear she would not back down.