A new verbal clash has occurred between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
This was caused by Trump writing again on Truth Social that Meloni wanted to take a picture with him:
"Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly asked me to take pictures with her at the G-7 meeting held in France. Her popularity in Italy is declining, perhaps because she really rejects the US, a country that loves and protects Italy. Now, after the US has achieved a military victory over Iran, she wants friendship again to increase her 'poll ratings.' No, thank you!!!"
The Italian Prime Minister immediately responded to this post on Instagram, stating that her popularity is not due to Donald Trump’s actions, and advised Trump to mind his own ratings: "As for my popularity, being friends with you has not helped it at all, and this is not because of my relationship with you, but rather my ability to defend national interests. In any case, my popularity is not your business; I advise you to pay attention to your own interests."
She also raised the issue of banning American planes from entering bases in Italy during the operation against Iran. Meloni responded by explaining that the use of the bases is regulated by existing agreements that Rome has always respected: "These unfounded attacks are meaningless."
The US president had previously accused Meloni, like all European leaders, of not wanting to help “regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.” The tension increased further when the Italian prime minister openly defended Pope Leo XIV and called unacceptable what the American leader said about him. Meloni had previously avoided criticizing Trump, despite being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In the EU, the Italian prime minister was considered one of the closest European leaders to the American president and was criticized for this.