Meloni to Trump: Being your friend hasn't helped my popularity

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has directly addressed recent criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that his persistent, unprovoked attacks are baseless. Meloni asserted that her popularity in Italy is not dependent on her relationship with Trump and has certainly not been boosted by being his friend.

Meloni's remarks came in response to Trump's latest social media posts, where he criticized her for not assisting the U.S. in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump also reiterated claims that Meloni had pleaded with him for a joint photograph at the G7 summit in Evian. "My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interests, and that is exactly what I have always done," Meloni declared in her Instagram post.

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As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped me, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interests, and that is exactly what I have always done.

She further elaborated on her commitment to national interests by referencing the issue of U.S. military bases in Italy. "This is precisely what I did regarding American military bases in Italy. Their use is regulated by agreements that we have always respected and which will not be violated while I am prime minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation," she emphasized in her reply to Trump.

Meloni concluded her response by suggesting that Trump should concern himself with his own approval ratings rather than hers. Her statement underscores a firm stance on national sovereignty and a rejection of external pressure influencing her domestic standing.

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This is precisely what I did regarding American military bases in Italy. Their use is regulated by agreements that we have always respected and which will not be violated while I am prime minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation.