Pichetto Fratin: “Kamala Harris Would Have Been Better, We Would Have Had Fewer Problems”
July 29, 2025 – Italian Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, a member of Forza Italia, has sparked international attention with his candid remarks on the U.S. presidential election outcome, stating that a Kamala Harris presidency would have been “more convenient” for Italy and likely resulted in “fewer problems” on the global stage. The minister’s comments, made in an interview with La Repubblica, reflect growing concerns in Europe about the reimposition of U.S. tariffs and their potential to disrupt transatlantic relations.
A Shift from Traditional U.S. Solidarity
Speaking on the eve of the U.S. implementing a minimum 15% tariff on all imports starting August 1, Pichetto Fratin expressed surprise at the policy direction under President Donald Trump’s second term. “I didn’t expect this because I was accustomed to a different American model under other presidents, one rooted in a tradition of solidarity,” he said. The minister suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 U.S. presidential election to Trump, would have maintained a more predictable and cooperative approach to international relations, aligning closer to the policies of previous U.S. administrations.
The tariffs, described as a cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda, have raised alarms across Europe, with fears of retaliatory measures and strained trade relations. Pichetto Fratin’s remarks underscore a broader sentiment among European leaders who anticipated a continuation of the Biden administration’s collaborative framework under Harris. “For us, probably Kamala Harris would have been more convenient,” he noted, highlighting the challenges posed by the current U.S. administration’s protectionist stance.
Economic and Diplomatic Implications
The minister’s comments come as the European Union prepares to counter the U.S. tariffs with potential levies on American goods, escalating fears of a transatlantic trade war. The tariffs are expected to increase costs for European exporters, particularly in industries like automotive, agriculture, and technology. For Italy, a key exporter of luxury goods and machinery, the economic impact could be significant. Pichetto Fratin, whose portfolio includes energy and environmental policy, also expressed concerns about the tariffs’ implications for global climate cooperation, noting that a Harris administration might have prioritized multilateral environmental agreements.
Analysts suggest that Pichetto Fratin’s preference for Harris stems from her campaign’s emphasis on maintaining strong alliances and addressing global challenges like climate change collaboratively. During her 2024 campaign, Harris advocated for strengthening NATO and working with international partners on issues like energy security and sustainability—priorities that align closely with Italy’s interests as a member of the EU and G7. In contrast, Trump’s “America First” policies, including the withdrawal from international climate agreements during his first term, have raised doubts about the U.S.’s commitment to global cooperation.
Political Context and Reactions
Pichetto Fratin’s statement has drawn mixed reactions in Italy. Forza Italia, a center-right party, has traditionally supported strong transatlantic ties, and the minister’s comments reflect a pragmatic concern for Italy’s economic interests. However, some domestic critics argue that his remarks risk alienating the U.S., a key ally, at a time when diplomatic finesse is needed to navigate trade negotiations. Opposition leaders from Italy’s left-leaning parties have echoed Pichetto Fratin’s sentiments, with some calling for a unified EU response to U.S. tariffs to protect European economies.
On the international stage, the minister’s remarks have resonated with other European leaders wary of Trump’s trade policies. Posts on X reflect a polarized sentiment, with some users praising Pichetto Fratin for his candor and others accusing him of interfering in U.S. domestic politics. One post noted, “European leaders are clearly nervous about Trump’s tariffs, and Pichetto Fratin is just saying what many are thinking.” However, the minister’s comments remain inconclusive without broader confirmation from other Italian officials.
Looking Ahead
As the August 1 tariff deadline approaches, Italy and the EU are bracing for economic fallout while seeking to negotiate exemptions or concessions. Pichetto Fratin’s remarks highlight the broader unease in Europe about the unpredictability of U.S. policy under Trump. While he stopped short of detailing specific diplomatic strategies, his preference for Harris underscores a desire for stability and continuity in U.S.-European relations.
The minister’s statement serves as a reminder of the global stakes in U.S. leadership transitions. As Italy navigates the challenges of tariffs and trade, Pichetto Fratin’s candid assessment reflects a broader hope among some European leaders for a return to a more collaborative transatlantic partnership—one they believed Kamala Harris might have championed.
By Reuters International Desk. Contact: international.desk@reuters.com