Comments by President Donald Trump about Giorgia Meloni have ignited a dispute with the Italian Prime Minister. The exchange centers on each leader’s popularity among voters.
Trump’s Statements
On Saturday, Trump remarked that Meloni was struggling with her popularity in Italy. This drew a swift response from Meloni, declaring that being a ‘friend’ to Trump hasn’t improved her local standing. She stated on Instagram, “In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
The Underlying Conflict
Meloni has been one of Trump’s steadfast allies in Europe. However, recent tensions over the Iran conflict have weakened their connection. Meloni criticized the lack of concern for civilian harm during U.S.-Israeli operations and supported Pope Leo XIV amid U.S. administration disputes with the Vatican.
The conflict reached a peak when Trump alleged to Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni ‘begged’ for a photograph with him during the G7 Summit in France, which ran from June 15 to 17. Trump’s claim was, “She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, canceled a U.S. visit in response to Trump’s ‘offensive’ remarks. Meloni dismissed Trump’s photo-op story as ‘completely unfounded’, stating, “Neither I, nor Italy, ever beg.”
On Truth Social, Trump implied that Meloni’s popularity was declining due to her refusal to support U.S. military actions in Iran. Trump wrote, “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again to get her ‘numbers up.'”
Meloni fired back on Instagram, “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.”
Popularity Polls
Recent polls do not favor either leader significantly. According to YouGov, Trump holds an unfavorable rating among registered voters with 40.6% viewing him favorably and 58.1% unfavorably, resulting in a net rating of -17.5.
Meanwhile, YouGov reported Meloni’s net favorability at -17 in Italy last May, with 38% viewing her positively and 55% negatively. Despite this, she surpasses several European leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (-51) and French President Emmanuel Macron (-60).
In terms of approval ratings, Meloni currently stands at 44% per Ipsos polling, higher than Trump’s 36% approval in the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, which gained one point recently. The Marist Poll, together with NPR and PBS News, also lists Trump’s approval at 36%, indicating a low point due to concerns over his economic management.
Statista’s assessment of global leader approval places Meloni and Trump nearly equal, with Meloni at 39% and Trump at 38% approval. Disapproval ratings were 55% for Meloni and 57% for Trump.
Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia), leads in Politico’s parliamentary voting polls at 28%, ahead of the Democratic Party, which polls at 22% as of June 15.
No recent Italian polls reflect the impact of the current dispute with Trump, though local media has expressed backing for Meloni. An Italian newspaper, Libero, featured a critical front-page headline about Trump.