A diplomatic dispute between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intensified on Saturday, with the Italian leader accusing Trump of launching “constant, unprovoked attacks” after he claimed she had repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the recent G7 summit and was attempting to rebuild ties with him to improve her popularity at home.

The exchange, which has triggered criticism across Italy’s political spectrum, has also led to the cancellation of a planned visit to the United States by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The war of words comes amid disagreements over Italy’s stance on the US military conflict with Iran and Washington’s access to Italian military facilities.

Meloni Rejects Trump’s Remarks

In a post on Instagram, Meloni dismissed Trump’s allegations regarding her political standing and denied that her popularity was linked to her relationship with the US President.

“President Trump, 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 wrote.

Addressing Trump’s criticism over the use of American military bases in Italy, the Prime Minister said the facilities operate under existing agreements that her government has always honoured and would continue to respect during her tenure.

“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,” she said.

Concluding her remarks, Meloni stressed that “Italy remains a sovereign nation” and dismissed Trump’s comments on her domestic support.

“In any case, my popularity is none of your concern,” she wrote, adding, “I suggest you focus on yours”.

Trump Repeats Claims Over G7 Meeting

Earlier on Saturday, Trump renewed his criticism of the Italian Prime Minister, alleging that she had repeatedly requested a photograph with him during the G7 summit in France and was seeking to restore ties after the United States’ military actions against Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Meloni of trying to improve her approval ratings and criticised Italy’s position on the Iran conflict.

“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 (But so did NATO, for that matter!). She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other ‘so-called’ NATO Allies. Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!! President DJT,” Trump wrote.

Trump had also made similar remarks in an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, claiming that he only agreed to a photograph with Meloni because he “felt sorry for her”.

“Meloni? She begged me for a photo; I felt sorry for her,” Trump said.

Italian Leaders Rally Behind Meloni

Meloni had earlier issued a sharp response through a self-recorded video message posted on X, describing Trump’s comments as entirely fabricated.

“I am shocked by Trump’s utterly fabricated words,” she said.

“Certain things deserve an immediate response. Donald Trump’s statements are totally invented. I am frankly appalled. I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies. After all, it is not the first time this has happened,” she added.

The Prime Minister also criticised Trump’s approach towards adversaries of the West.

“I can only say that it is a shame he doesn’t have the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with leaderships toward whom he instead proves to be much more accommodating,” she said.

She concluded with a strong assertion of Italy’s dignity, saying, “There is one thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg.”

The controversy prompted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel his scheduled trip to the United States on June 21 and 22.

In a post on X, Tajani condemned Trump’s remarks and described them as offensive to the entire country.

“The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June,” he wrote.

Tensions Affect Bilateral Ties

Trump’s remarks and Meloni’s rebuttals have sparked widespread condemnation across the Italian political spectrum and added strain to relations between the two leaders.

The dispute has unfolded against the backdrop of disagreements over US policy towards Iran and Italy’s refusal to allow the use of its airfields and runways for American military operations.

The escalating exchange has further complicated ties between Washington and Rome, with senior Italian officials publicly rallying behind the Prime Minister amid growing diplomatic tensions.

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