Meloni fires back at Trump in social media spat over popularity and Iran policy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former US President Donald Trump engaged in a public spat on social media, trading barbs over alleged requests for a photo and political support. The dispute escalated after Trump accused Meloni of seeking to improve her popularity by requesting a photo with him following U.S. military action against Iran.

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My popularity is none of your business.

Trump claimed on his platform Truth Social that Meloni had pleaded for a photo during the G7 summit, an assertion Meloni had previously denied as "completely fabricated." He further alleged that Meloni's popularity had declined due to her lack of support for U.S. actions against Iran, specifically mentioning Italy's refusal to allow the use of its runways, which he called a "significant logistical disadvantage."

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No thanks!!!

Meloni responded sharply on Instagram, stating that her popularity was not Trump's concern and that his friendship had not aided her. She emphasized that Italy remains a sovereign nation and that the use of American military bases is subject to agreements she cannot violate. The Italian Prime Minister also suggested Trump focus on his own popularity.

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completely fabricated

In response to Trump's "harsh and insulting" remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States. Meloni, who had previously distanced herself from Trump's trade tariffs and Greenland conflict stance, had also rejected Italian participation in U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and denied landing rights to U.S. aircraft at Sigonella airbase in Sicily. Meloni announced she would not engage further on the photo issue, stating her belief in Western unity and that the exchange was not befitting their roles.

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Italy remains a sovereign nation.