A public exchange between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has intensified diplomatic attention on Italy–US relations, following a social media exchange on Saturday (20 Jun).
The dispute began after comments made by Trump during and after the G7 summit in France, where he claimed Meloni had “begged” for a photo with him. Meloni said she was “astonished” by the claim, rejecting it outright and stating: “there is one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
On Saturday Trump expanded on his remarks in a post on Truth Social, reiterating that Meloni “asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France” and argued she was “doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity”. He also criticised Italy’s position on US military use of its bases, saying she “wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways” and suggested she was seeking closer ties after the US action against Iran, adding: “No thanks!!! President DJT”.
Responding on Instagram, Meloni rejected the remarks, stating: “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.” She added: “My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
She defended Italy’s sovereignty over military agreements, stating: “My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest.” Meloni also said: “Italy remains a sovereign nation,” and reaffirmed that the use of American bases is governed by long-standing agreements “that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister.”
The exchange underscores a rare public strain between two leaders who have previously maintained close political ties, with Meloni the sole European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
ℹ️ Euronews
Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh
tut0ugh 