'She is doing poorly in Italy': Trump hits back as Meloni feud escalates

Trump accused Meloni of seeking publicity through him and suggested that her political standing in Italy was weakening, prompting a swift and fiery response from the Italian leader.

Trump claims Meloni wanted a photo

In a post on X, Trump claimed that Meloni repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the G7 Summit and alleged that she was now criticising him to boost her popularity at home.

"She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity," Trump wrote, adding that Meloni "wants to be friends" to improve her political standing.

The US President also criticised Italy's position during the recent Iran conflict, accusing Meloni of refusing American requests for military logistical support.

"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience," Trump said, while also claiming that the United States spends heavily to protect NATO allies, including Italy.

Disagreement over Iran policy

Trump further accused the Italian Prime Minister of siding with Iran rather than supporting the United States, suggesting that her stance undermined a key Western ally during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

He also referenced Italy's opposition to military measures aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, arguing that Rome had failed to support Washington's efforts.

Meloni fires back

Meloni quickly rejected Trump's allegations, calling the remarks "senseless" and insisting that her popularity has nothing to do with her relationship with the American President.

"As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you," she said in a post on Instagram.

"My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done."

She added: "My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours."

'Completely made up'

The dispute began after Trump told Italian television channel La7 that Meloni had "begged" him to take a picture with her during the summit.

"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," Trump said.

Meloni dismissed the claim as entirely fabricated and said she was shocked by the remarks.

"Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I'm frankly appalled," she said.

'Italy and I never beg'

In one of her strongest responses yet, the Italian Prime Minister said Trump's comments reflected a pattern of disrespect toward allies.

"I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies; after all, it's not the first time it's happened," she said.

Meloni also argued that Trump appeared tougher on allies than on America's adversaries.

"It is a shame that he doesn't show the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States," she said.

Ending her remarks on a defiant note, Meloni declared: "One thing he must remember: I and Italy never beg."

Diplomatic rift in public view

The unusually personal exchange marks a rare public confrontation between two leaders who have often been viewed as ideological allies on several international issues.

The dispute also comes at a sensitive time for transatlantic relations, with disagreements over Iran, NATO commitments and Middle East policy increasingly exposing divisions among Western partners.