- Trump has reignited tensions with Meloni by sharing a 'restraining order' meme targeting her on the eve of the NATO summit.
- Rome has brushed off Trump's meme, indicating that it does not warrant a serious response.
- Meloni had previously accused Trump of fabricating a story that she begged him for a photo at a G7 summit.
- Last month, Trump claimed Meloni 'begged' for a photo at the G7 and criticized her for denying U.S. use of Italian bases regarding Iran, saying the U.S. 'contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy.'
- Meloni responded by calling Trump's comments 'completely fabricated' and saying she was 'stunned,' declaring: 'Italy and I do not beg.'
- Both Trump and Meloni are expected to travel to Ankara for the NATO Summit, scheduled for July 7-8.
Donald Trump reignited tensions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by sharing a meme on Truth Social that read, 'RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED.' This post followed a previous dispute where Trump claimed Meloni had 'begged' for a photo at the G7 summit, which she vehemently denied, stating, 'Italy and I never beg.'1345678
Italian officials, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, sought to downplay the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relations with the U.S. 'People come and go, but relationships remain,' he said. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed this sentiment, asserting that 'transatlantic relations go far beyond individual statements.'
Despite the public feud, Meloni was once a vocal supporter of Trump, attending his inauguration in 2025. However, she has criticized him for his remarks about Pope Leo and the Iran conflict, prompting Trump to accuse her of lacking courage. 'She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways,' Trump remarked, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by the U.S. in NATO operations. As both leaders prepare for the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, the focus remains on the broader implications of their strained relationship for transatlantic cooperation.
“Meloni previously accused Trump of fabricating a story that she 'begged' for a photo at the G7, and responded to his latest provocation by saying 'Italy and I do not beg.' Both leaders are expected to meet in Ankara for the NATO summit on July 7-8.”
politico.eu
