Meloni Hits Back at Trump as Public Feud Between Former Allies Deepens
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rebuked US President Donald Trump after he claimed she repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the recent G7 Summit, saying her political standing in Italy has nothing to do with her relationship with the American leader.
The exchange marks the latest chapter in an increasingly public dispute between the two leaders, once regarded as close ideological allies.
Trump recently suggested that Meloni repeatedly requested a photo opportunity at the G7 gathering and implied that she was attempting to improve ties with Washington amid declining popularity at home following Italy’s refusal to support US military action against Iran.
Responding in a sharply worded post on Instagram, Meloni dismissed the remarks and accused Trump of launching unnecessary attacks against allied nations.
“President Trump, these constant and unprovoked attacks are senseless,” she wrote. “As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you.”
‘Italy Is a Sovereign Nation’
Meloni defended her government’s decision not to participate in US military operations and stressed that Italy’s foreign policy decisions are guided by national interests.
She also addressed questions surrounding the use of American military bases on Italian soil, saying their operation is governed by long-standing bilateral agreements that Italy intends to uphold.
“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interests, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she said.
The Italian leader further underlined that Italy would continue to make independent decisions on matters of national security and foreign policy.
“In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she added.
Dispute Escalates After G7 Summit
The row began after Trump told Italian media that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the G7 Summit in France and claimed he agreed only because he felt sorry for her.
Meloni quickly rejected the allegation, describing it as entirely fabricated. Trump later doubled down on his comments, claiming she had repeatedly sought a photo and linking her political challenges to Italy’s refusal to back recent US actions involving Iran.
Italy has maintained a cautious stance on the issue, declining requests linked to military operations and distancing itself from efforts that could draw the country deeper into regional conflicts.
From Close Partners to Public Critics
The dispute is notable given the previously warm relationship between the two leaders. Meloni was often viewed as one of Trump’s closest political partners in Europe, with both leaders sharing similar positions on several political and cultural issues.
However, tensions reportedly began to surface after Meloni publicly defended Pope Leo XIV following criticism from Trump over the pontiff’s anti-war views. Differences over NATO commitments, Middle East policy and broader transatlantic relations have since widened the gap between the two leaders.
The latest exchange highlights a significant deterioration in a relationship that was once considered one of the strongest links between Washington and a major European government.
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