Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a sardonic joke about her political opponents’ demands that Italy should distance itself from the US, following reports of American plans concerning Greenland. During a press briefing, she rhetorically questioned whether the next step would be to leave NATO, shut down American bases, break off trade relations—or “storm McDonald’s.”

It was at her New Year’s briefing in Rome that Meloni allowed herself to become sarcastic in order to criticize the opposition’s calls for a clear rejection of Washington.

“What do you mean when you say we need to distance ourselves? Should we leave NATO? Close the American bases? Break trade relations? Storm McDonald’s?” she asked, thereby highlighting what she sees as an unrealistic and simplistic view of geopolitics.

The statement came after debate regarding the US position on Greenland. Meloni emphasized that she does not share all of America’s views—but that disagreement is not the same as breaking off relations.

Critical of US actions—but not of cooperation

The Prime Minister made it clear that she believes international law must be defended, and that she does not agree with everything said or done in Washington. She has previously stated that she agrees with Donald Trump on some issues, but not on others—Greenland being one example where she says no.

“When the rules of international law are broken, we are all more exposed,” said Meloni, stressing that she also voices her criticism directly to US representatives.

EU and NATO are the direction

In her extended remarks, Meloni dismissed the idea that Italy should “distance itself” from the US as a slogan without substance. Italy’s foreign policy compass, according to her, is clear: the European Union and the Atlantic alliance.

READ ALSO: Danish government in crisis meeting after Trump’s Greenland threat

“Geopolitics is not gossip. When you take a position you have to be consistent and explain what alternative you propose,” she said, calling for critics to clarify what they actually want to replace the current line with.

“Defending national interests”

Meloni pointed out that it is normal for national interests not to always fully coincide—not even among close allies. Italy’s task, she argues, is to strengthen the European and Atlantic community the country belongs to, while also being clear when Rome disagrees.

“That’s how foreign policy works. Anything else may be good for headlines, but it isn’t geopolitics,” she summarized.

READ ALSO: Trump to continue his conquest tour: ‘We need Greenland’