Trump renews attacks on Italy's Meloni, who hits back sharply

A public spat between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni escalated this week, with Trump launching a fresh, "disconcerting" attack on his one-time European ally. Trump reiterated his claim that Meloni had repeatedly sought a photo with him during the G7 summit, suggesting she did so to regain popularity.

Trump, posting on his social media platform Truth Social, alleged that Meloni's popularity was suffering in Italy, partly because she had "turned her back" on the United States. He specifically criticized Italy for denying the U.S. use of landing and flight paths, citing the example of Sigonella air base in Sicily during the conflict with Iran. Trump claimed Meloni was now seeking to "make friends again" after the U.S. "militarily defeated Iran," but stated, "No, thank you."

Meloni, however, did not remain silent. Following a previous strong rebuttal, she responded again, this time directly in English, labeling Trump's persistent attacks as "senseless." She firmly stated that her popularity was not dependent on her relationship with Trump but on her ability to defend Italy's national interests. "This is exactly what I have always done," she asserted.

Addressing the issue of U.S. military bases, Meloni clarified that their use is governed by agreements that Italy has always respected. "Italy is a sovereign country," she declared, suggesting Trump focus on his own popularity rather than hers. The ongoing public exchange has been compared to a virtual telenovela, marking an unprecedented and sharp public disagreement between leaders.