Your Excellency,
First and foremost, I extend my warm congratulations on your appointment as the 21st U.S. Ambassador to Malta. Your arrival marks a promising chapter in U.S.-Malta relations, particularly under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, whose bold vision has resonated with many here who value strong, decisive governance.
In your introductory remarks upon assuming your role, you vowed to advance President Trump’s agenda in Malta, stating: “President Trump has taken bold actions, and I will not hesitate to pursue his agenda.” This commitment to principled American leadership is commendable and aligns with the shared values of prosperity, security, and sovereignty that bind our nations.
However, I feel compelled to alert you to the coordinated backlash this statement has provoked from certain quarters in Malta’s mainstream media and so-called civil society groups, particularly the entity known as Repubblika.
Repubblika is not a genuine non-governmental organization (NGO) but rather a Civil Hypocrisy Movement, a clique of extremists masquerading as champions of democracy and the rule of law. They have been vehemently anti-Trump from the outset, viewing his policies as a threat to their ideological echo chamber. I assure you that they, along with local will never forgive you for your forthright endorsement of President Trump’s agenda. Their opposition is not rooted in principle but in partisan animosity toward anything associated with Donald Trump.
A clear example of this emerged shortly after your statement. On January 27, 2026, Repubblika organized a vigil in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ta’ Qali. While they framed it as a protest against U.S. immigration enforcement practices, citing alleged “killings and cruelties”, this was nothing more than a thinly veiled anti-Trump demonstration. Their open letter to you, penned by President Vicki Ann Cremona, explicitly criticized your pledge to pursue President Trump’s policies, urging you instead to “uphold principles that once made American democracy a global point of reference.” This was no sincere call for human rights; it was a political stunt designed to undermine U.S. leadership and stir division. Repubblika does not represent the Maltese people but a narrow faction aligned with opposition interests.
Today marks a second episode in this orchestrated campaign. The Sunday Times of Malta published an article attempting to associate Your Excellency with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose scandal has ensnared figures across the political spectrum. The piece highlights a 2010 email in recently released Epstein files where a PR agent quoted you as saying, “I do know Jeffrey, and I like him.”
While this appears to be a superficial reference with no evidence of wrongdoing on your part, the intent is clear: to smear your reputation by implication. It is worth noting that Epstein himself had deep ties to prominent Democrats, donating generously to candidates and causes in the 1990s and early 2000s, including the Clinton Foundation. Yet, the media conveniently overlooks these connections while amplifying any perceived link to Trump allies like yourself. This selective outrage is a hallmark of Malta’s mainstream media, which often serves as a mouthpiece for anti-Trump sentiments.
Furthermore, groups like Repubblika and their media allies will never forgive President Trump or those who support him for decisive actions like the substantial cuts to USAID funding. These reforms, aimed at curbing wasteful spending and refocusing U.S. resources on America First priorities, have been demonized by critics who benefited from the previous unchecked flow of aid. In Malta, where such groups position themselves as “rule of law” advocates, their hypocrisy is evident: they decry U.S. policies while ignoring European Union corruption and dirty politics.
Your Excellency, these attacks do not reflect the views of the broader Maltese populace. Many here appreciate the strength and clarity of President Trump’s leadership and look forward to enhanced bilateral ties under your tenure. I urge you to remain steadfast in pursuing the agenda you have outlined, undeterred by these fringe elements. Malta and the United States share a bright future built on mutual respect and shared interests.
Respectfully,
Neville Gafa’
