Trump reignites feud with Meloni, sharing photo with 'distancing order' caption

A public spat between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has resurfaced, with Trump posting a new message on social media. The latest development involves a photograph of Meloni shaking hands with Trump, overlaid with the text, "A distancing order is necessary."

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A distancing order is necessary.

The dispute dates back to comments Trump made on June 19th during an interview with Italian television channel La7. While discussing the G7 Summit in France, Trump claimed that Meloni "begged" to take a photo with him, stating he initially refused but eventually relented out of pity. Meloni swiftly refuted his claims on social media the same day, asserting that neither she nor Italy would ever beg.

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It should not be forgotten that neither I nor Italy ever beg.

Trump subsequently posted on social media, reiterating his assertion that Meloni sought a photo opportunity. He suggested Meloni was trying to mend ties after the U.S. "military victory" over Iran, adding, "Thank you, I'll pass."

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Now that the US has militarily defeated Iran, she (Meloni) wants to be friends again to increase her points. Thank you, I'll pass.

Meloni responded to these remarks, calling Trump's continuous and baseless attacks "meaningless." She also commented on his remarks about her popularity, stating, "Being your friend has certainly not benefited me."

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President Trump, these continuous and baseless attacks are meaningless. As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not benefited me.