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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has fired back at United States (US) President Donald Trump on Saturday, describing his remarks as “constant, unprovoked” and “senseless” after he accused her of repeatedly seeking photographs with him during the G7 summit.
The dispute escalated after Trump claimed Meloni had “begged” him for a picture at the G7 summit held earlier this week in France.
Speaking to an Italian broadcaster, Trump said he only agreed to take a photograph because he “felt sorry for her.” Meloni quickly rejected the claim, calling it false.
Trump later doubled down in his Truth social media post, insisting that Meloni had asked for photos “over and over” accusing her of trying to improve relations with Washington for political reasons.
“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her numbers up. No thanks!!!” Trump wrote.
He also suggested that Meloni’s popularity in Italy was declining and criticised her government over the use of US military facilities during the conflict with Iran.
In a written Instagram response posted on Saturday, Meloni dismissed Trump’s comments, accusing him of “constant, unprovoked… senseless” attacks, and said her political standing did not depend on her relationship with the US president.
“Being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” she wrote.
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Furthermore, she rejected Trump’s criticism over the use of US military facilities in Italy, saying they were governed by agreements that Rome had respected.
“In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she added.
