Tensions between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump escalated on Saturday after both leaders exchanged fresh verbal attacks, deepening a public feud that is straining one of Europe’s closest alliances with Washington.
The disagreement began earlier this week when Trump claimed Meloni had repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the G7 summit in France.
“She begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted a photo with me so badly — I could have skipped it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump had said.
Meloni reacted by saying she was “stunned” by Trump’s “made-up” remarks and criticised his diplomatic style.
“I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his own allies,” Meloni said.
“It’s not, after all, the first time this has happened.”
On Saturday, Trump repeated his claim, insisting: “Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France.”
“She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon,” he added.
Relations between the US and Italy have faced increasing pressure in recent months, largely over disagreements surrounding the conflict involving Iran.
In March, Italy denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, citing the lack of prior approval from Rome.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump referenced that decision, arguing that Italy rejected the request despite what he described as America’s significant contributions to Italy’s security and to NATO.
“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up’,” Trump said.
Responding on Instagram, Meloni dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying “these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless”.
“As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she said.
“That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister.
“Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
The latest exchange highlights a sharp deterioration in relations between the two right-wing leaders. Earlier this year, Meloni also criticised Trump after he attacked Pope Leo XIV over the pontiff’s condemnation of the Iran war.
Trump later responded by accusing the Italian leader of lacking courage.