Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi took an indirect shot at Donald Trump Tuesday by rejecting his call for a wall to keep out illegal immigrants, and saying countries need to find ways to be more inclusive.
“The name of the future has to be education, not intolerance, sustainability not distraction … bridge, not walls,” he said at the White House with President Obama.
Renzi also heaped praise on Obama, who now has about three months left in the White House before his successor takes over.
“We think history will be kind with you Mr. President,” Renzi said. “Under your leadership, a country hit by crisis start growing again. Day after day, you have made change that improved lives, help environment and create opportunities for poor people.”
Renzi criticized a political culture in the United States and at home that seems to value division above compromise.
“I think there are a lot of people who think politics is only about screaming, fighting each other … create division,” Renzi said. “You are different Mr. President. We are different.
“In a time of fear, we have to keep answering with the ‘audacity of hope,'” Renzi said, quoting Obama’s 2006 bestseller. “Thank you so much for your leadership.”
Obama noted that Renzi’s visit is the last such formal foreign leader meeting of his presidency.
“We saved the best for last,” Obama said, noting Tuesday night’s state dinner is the last he and Michelle Obama will host.
