Meloni tells Trump to 'focus on yourself' amid 'unwise' attacks
Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to what she called
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump for what she described as "unwise" attacks. Trump had claimed on his Truth Social platform that Meloni had begged for a photo with him at the recent G7 summit. He had previously stated at the summit that he only agreed to the photo because he felt sorry for her.
These constant, baseless attacks are unwise.
Trump further asserted on Truth Social that Meloni was "doing a terrible job" in Italy despite her popularity, suggesting it was because she had "turned her back on the United States, a country that truly loves and protects Italy." Meloni countered on her Instagram page, calling the persistent, baseless attacks "unwise." She added that being his friend had "certainly not" benefited her and advised him to "focus on yourself."
I suggest you focus on yourself.
In response to Trump's remarks at the summit, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled an official visit to the United States. Italian television station LA7 reported that Trump had claimed Meloni pleaded for a photo, but he only agreed out of pity. The relationship between Trump and Meloni has been strained since Trump criticized Pope Francis over comments regarding U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran. Meloni condemned Trump's remarks as unacceptable, while Trump has also criticized Meloni for not supporting the U.S. in its conflict with Iran.
She is doing a terrible job in Italy despite her popularity, perhaps because she turned her back on the United States, a country that truly loves and protects Italy.
Originally published by Morgunblaรฐiรฐ in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.