**Meloni Tells Trump to Mind His Own Popularity in Ongoing Dispute**
In a recent exchange that has drawn significant media attention, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought a photo opportunity with him to boost her popularity following her refusal to support the U.S. in its military actions against Iran. This dispute emerged from comments made by Trump during a phone interview with Italian broadcaster La7 on a Friday, where he alleged that Meloni had “begged” him for a photo during the G7 summit held in Evian, France.
In response to Trump's assertions, Meloni dismissed his account as “completely fabricated.” However, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, the following day to reinforce his claim. He stated that Meloni had repeatedly asked for a picture with him and suggested that her declining popularity in Italy was linked to her decision to turn down support for the U.S.
“She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America,” Trump wrote. He further criticized Italy for what he described as a “great logistical inconvenience” to the U.S. and implied that Meloni was seeking to mend relations to improve her standing in Italy after the U.S. achieved military success against Iran. “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks,” he concluded.
Meloni, on her part, responded firmly, stating that her popularity is not influenced by her relationship with Trump. “Being your friend has certainly not helped me,” she remarked, emphasizing that her political standing is based on her capability to protect Italy's national interests.
Earlier in the year, Italy had denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at the Sigonella airbase in Sicily while en route to the Middle East. Meloni argued that this decision was in line with established bilateral agreements and that the pre-agreed limits on U.S. logistical use of Italian bases are to be respected during her tenure as prime minister. “Italy is still a sovereign nation,” she asserted, adding, “My popularity is none of your business. I’d suggest you focus on yours.”
Historically, Meloni has been viewed as one of Trump’s closest allies among European leaders, often seen as a conduit between Washington and Brussels. Notably, she was the only European head of government to attend Trump’s inauguration in 2025. However, relations between the two leaders have soured in recent months, particularly over differing views on Iran and Meloni's defense of Pope Leo XIV, following Trump's criticism of the pontiff regarding his stance on the conflict.
This public clash comes shortly after both leaders appeared to have reconciled their differences during the G7 summit, highlighting the volatility of their relationship and the complexities of international diplomacy. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this exchange will impact Italy's foreign relations and Meloni's domestic standing.