Italy's Meloni Hits Back at Trump, Calls Attacks 'Senseless'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni fired back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, calling his repeated attacks “senseless” and dismissing his claim that she had begged for a photo at the G7 summit. In an Instagram post, Meloni wrote: “These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

Trump had earlier told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni “asked over and over for a picture with me,” and in a subsequent post on his social media platform, he accused Italy of failing to support U.S. operations against Iran. He also misspelled her first name, later correcting it.

The dispute spilled into diplomacy. Italy’s foreign minister canceled a planned trip to Washington as the government rallied behind Meloni. The fight reflects deeper tensions over NATO burden-sharing and Italy’s refusal in March to let U.S. bombers use a base in Sicily without parliamentary approval.

Meloni’s post also pushed back on Trump’s suggestion that her popularity in Italy had suffered because of her stance. “Being your friend certainly has not helped it,” she wrote. “My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.”

Trump’s criticism of NATO allies over defense spending has been a consistent theme of his presidency. He raised the issue again during a White House meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte before next month’s summit in Istanbul.

La7 aired the Trump interview Friday. The broadcaster later uploaded a dubbed version of the exchange but not the original English audio, the Associated Press reported.