- Trump accuses Meloni of trying to mend ties with Washington.
- Meloni criticizes Trump for “constant, unprovoked” attacks.
- My popularity is not something you care about, says Meloni to Trump.
WASHINGTON: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni fired back at US President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying his “constant, unprovoked attacks are pointless” after he escalated a diplomatic spat by accusing her of repeatedly seeking a photograph with him.
The clash has opened an unusual personal rift between Trump and one of Europe’s most prominent right-wing leaders, who had sought to position himself as a bridge between Washington and the continent during Trump’s return to power.
Trump had initially told the Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni “begged” him for a photo at this week’s G7 summit in France, saying he only agreed because he “felt sorry for her.”
Meloni angrily denied the claim, calling it “made up,” but Trump doubled down in a post on Truth Social, saying Meloni had asked “over and over” for a photograph during the summit.
He also accused her of trying to mend relations with Washington for domestic political reasons after Italy did not support US action against Iran.
“Now, after the US has defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again to get her “number up”. No thanks!!!” Trump wrote.
He said Meloni did “poorly in Italy” and suggested this was linked to her refusal to allow the US to use Italian “runways or runways” during the conflict with Iran.
Trump also revived his long-standing complaint that the United States spends heavily to protect “so-called” NATO allies, saying Washington contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to defend Italy and others.
Meloni, in a blistering response on Instagram, accused Trump of “constant, unprovoked… senseless” attacks and said her popularity did not depend on her relationship with the US president.
“Being your friend certainly hasn’t helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” she wrote.
She rejected Trump’s criticism of the use of US military facilities in Italy, saying they were governed by agreements that Rome had respected.
“In any case, my popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on yours,” she added.
