President Donald Trump mocked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming she repeatedly asked for a picture at the G7 Summit in France. Trump criticized Meloni for not providing enough support to the U.S. during the Iran war.
Trump stated on Truth Social that Meloni “asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France.” He reiterated this statement to an Italian outlet. Meloni, however, informed Reuters that Trump “completely made up” this claim and expressed her “astonishment.” She questioned why the U.S. president acts this way toward allies, noting it wasn’t the first time.
In his post, Trump continued to criticize Meloni for not helping the U.S. during the Iran war several months prior. He noted her low popularity in Italy, possibly due to refusing U.S. requests to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America.
Trump expressed frustration over Italy’s refusal to allow U.S. forces to use Italian landing strips, describing it as a logistical inconvenience. The Guardian reported that Italy denied U.S. warplanes access to an airbase in Sicily meant for operations against Iran.
Trump also criticized other NATO allies for not providing enough military support. He emphasized that despite substantial U.S. contributions to protect allies, Meloni sought better relations to improve her “numbers.” Trump rejected this notion.
Later, Meloni responded on Instagram to Trump’s posts, condemning his “senseless” attacks. She stated that her popularity relied on her ability to uphold Italy’s national interest.
Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern.
Cracks appeared in their relationship when Trump imposed global tariffs. Meloni’s attempts to gain trade relief for Italy were unsuccessful, with a 15% tariff still on many EU imports.
In April, Meloni publicly rebuked Trump for criticizing Pope Leo’s foreign policy on Iran. She called Trump’s remarks “unacceptable.” Before the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum halting hostilities, Meloni insisted Italy would not join the war.
Meloni has consistently criticized Iran’s nuclear ambitions. At last year’s G7 Summit, she urged diplomatic measures to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
The MOU between Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian required an end to military operations, including in Lebanon. Talks between the U.S. and Iran were postponed amid renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah but later resumed in Switzerland.