Meloni Tells Trump to ‘Focus on Your Own Popularity’ as Bitter Feud Explodes Over Iran and Political Jibes
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has launched a fierce new attack on US President Donald Trump, telling him to “focus on your own popularity” as an increasingly public row between the two leaders threatens to deepen tensions between Washington and Rome.
The extraordinary exchange marks the latest chapter in a diplomatic dispute that has unfolded over recent days, with Trump repeatedly questioning Meloni’s political standing in Italy while criticizing her government’s position on US military operations involving Iran.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump claimed that Meloni was “doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity” and accused her of failing to support American efforts aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
The US president also alleged that the Italian leader had repeatedly sought opportunities to be photographed with him during the recent G7 summit in France.
His comments prompted a swift and unusually personal response from Meloni, who took to Instagram to defend herself and her government.
In a strongly worded statement, the Italian prime minister described Trump’s remarks as “constant, unprovoked attacks” and dismissed his criticisms as “senseless.”
“As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” Meloni wrote.
“My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
Clash Over Iran and Military Bases
The dispute has extended beyond personal insults, with Trump accusing Italy of creating “a great logistical inconvenience” by refusing to allow unrestricted use of Italian air facilities for potential US military operations connected to Iran.
Meloni firmly rejected the criticism, insisting that any use of Italian military infrastructure must comply with existing agreements and national laws.
“The use of Italian bases is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am prime minister,” she said.
The disagreement comes amid growing international tensions following US military actions involving Iran earlier this year, an issue that has exposed differences between several European allies and Washington.
‘Neither I Nor Italy Ever Beg’
The feud first erupted after Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the G7 summit.
The Italian leader responded in a video posted to social media, expressing disbelief at the remarks.
“I was frankly stunned,” Meloni said.
“I don’t know why the US president behaves this way towards allies. But there is one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Trump had reportedly told Italian television channel La7 that Meloni repeatedly requested a photo opportunity.
“She begged me to take a photo with her; I felt sorry for her,” Trump allegedly said during the interview.
The remarks quickly sparked outrage across Italy, with politicians from both government and opposition parties rallying behind Meloni.
Growing Rift Between Traditional Allies
The continuing war of words has raised concerns about a widening diplomatic divide between two governments that were once seen as closely aligned politically.
Meloni was notably the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, a gesture widely interpreted as evidence of a strong personal relationship between the pair.
However, recent events suggest that relationship may now be under significant strain.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has already cancelled a planned trip to the United States, a move that observers view as further evidence of deteriorating ties.
Despite appearing cordial during the G7 summit, where both leaders were photographed in lengthy discussions, tensions escalated rapidly after Trump’s television interview and subsequent public criticisms.
Previous Flashpoints
This is not the first time the two leaders have found themselves at odds.
Earlier this year, Trump sparked controversy after launching an attack on Pope Leo XIV, describing him as “WEAK on Crime and terrible for Foreign Policy” in a post on Truth Social.
Meloni condemned those remarks at the time, calling them “unacceptable” and defending the pontiff against criticism from the White House.
With neither side showing signs of backing down, the increasingly personal feud threatens to overshadow cooperation between two key NATO allies at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
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