US President Donald Trump insisted on Saturday that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked him “repeatedly” to take a photo with him at the G7 summit in France. He stated that he is not interested in improving the relationship with the Italian leader. In response, Meloni said Trump’s “constant and unprovoked attacks” are “nonsensical.”
Georgia Meloni and Donald Trump PHOTO: AFP
US President Donald Trump insisted in a post on the Truth Social network on Saturday that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had asked him “repeatedly” to take a photo with him at this week’s G7 summit in France.
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni he repeatedly asked me to take a picture together during the G7 meeting from FranceTrump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.
He launched further criticism of the Italian leader, saying Meloni “doing badly in Italy in terms of popularity”. He charged that Italy and “other so-called NATO allies” they did not provide military support during the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran.
“Now that the United States has militarily defeated Iran, she wants us to be friends again to “build up her numbers.” No thanks!”, Trump also wrote in his post.
Giorgia Meloni responded to Trump’s latest claims, saying in an Instagram post that “constant and unprovoked attacks” Trump’s are “meaningless”.
“As for my popularity, being your friend certainly didn’t contribute to it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on your own popularity.” she added.
Tensions between Trump and Meloni
On Friday, the White House leader declared, in an interview for the La7 station, that Giorgia Meloni “begged” him for a picture at the G7 summit. He added that he felt sorry for the Italian prime minister.
In response, Giorgia Meloni dismissed Trump’s claims, calling them completely fabricated. She also conveyed, in a video published on social networks, that she is dismayed by the behavior of the American president towards allies.
The conflict between the two leaders emerged in the spring after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for his calls for peace in the Middle East. Meloni took the side of the Pope, considering the American president’s statements unacceptable.
