Meloni Tells Trump to 'Focus on Your Own Popularity' Amid Spat
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told US President Donald Trump to focus on his own popularity after he criticized hers.
- Meloni stated her popularity depends on defending Italy's national interests, not on her relationship with Trump.
- Trump had previously claimed Meloni "begged" for a photo at the G7 summit and criticized Italy's stance on Iran's nuclear program.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply retorted to criticism from former US President Donald Trump regarding her popularity, advising him to concentrate on his own political standing. Trump had recently posted on social media that Meloni was "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity."
My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.
In a direct response via Instagram, Meloni asserted that her popularity is not contingent on her relationship with Trump, nor is it influenced by "being your friend." She emphasized that her standing relies on her "ability to defend Italy's national interest," a task she claims to have consistently undertaken. Meloni concluded her statement by suggesting Trump should "focus on yours."
The public exchange follows Trump's earlier claims that Meloni "begged" for a photograph together during the G7 meeting in France from June 15-17. Speaking on Italian television, Trump alleged that Meloni desired the picture "so badly" and that he only agreed because he "felt sorry for her." These remarks were based on a dubbed version of the interview released by the Italian channel La7.
In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.
Meloni dismissed Trump's comments as "senseless" and "unprovoked attacks." The friction between the two leaders, once allies, has intensified. Trump also criticized Italy's position on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, stating that Italy had refused to allow the US to use its landing strips, despite significant US contributions to Italy's defense.
She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.
In response to Trump's remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of an upcoming visit to the United States, calling Trump's words "grave and offensive" and an insult to all of Italy.
These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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