US President and Italian Prime Minister on Saturday exchanged sharp criticisms, further widening the public divide between two leaders who were previously regarded as close allies. Trump alleged that Meloni was attempting to mend relations with after her refusal to endorse the US-led military operation against Iran, while also asserting that her popularity had declined due to her position.
In response, quickly countered, labeling Trump’s remarks as “senseless” and dismissing any implication that her political standing was contingent upon her association with the US President.
She also rejected his claim that she “begged” him for a photograph with her during this week’s Group of Seven summit in France.
He reiterated this claim on Saturday, incorrectly spelling her name as “Gigiorgia” while posting on his Truth Social platform that “she wants to be friends again” in order to improve her “numbers”.
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- The two leaders exchanged criticisms on social media, as shared a post on Instagram soon after Trump blasted her on his Truth Social account.
- “President , these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” Meloni stated on Instagram. “My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.”
- She then mentioned the utilization of military bases in Italy by the United States, stating that they are regulated by agreements which both the nations have “always respected.” “In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she concluded her post with a decisive tone.
- The dispute started when Trump asserted at the G7 last week that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph with her. “Italian Prime Minister asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France,” the POTUS said. “She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!),” he added.
- Meloni promptly dismissed the assertion in her own post on Friday, to which Trump replied on Truth Social earlier on Saturday. She called his allegations “completely fabricated” and asserted that “Italy and I do not beg”, provoking an uncommon public dispute between the two leaders.
