Trump posts image of himself with Italy's Meloni, adds comment about restraining order

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a photograph showing him alongside Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and added the phrase “Restraining order needed.” The post, which carried no further explanation, follows a series of public exchanges between the two leaders.

According to Italy’s Corriere della Sera, the Italian government does not plan to respond to what it described as a provocation. The dispute dates back to late June, when Trump claimed Meloni had asked him for a joint picture to improve her domestic ratings. Meloni dismissed the allegation as “senseless” and said her popularity was not tied to her relationship with the U.S. president, urging him to focus on his own approval ratings.

Relations between Trump and Meloni have soured in recent months after the United States’ involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict and after Meloni refused to allow U.S. aircraft bound for the Middle East to use a Sicilian air base. The two also clashed over comments about Pope Leo XIV, with Meloni defending the pontiff after Trump criticized him.

Social media activity in Italy has shown support for Meloni, with videos of her being embraced by supporters circulating online. Polls indicate that while her party, Brothers of Italy, remains the leading political force with roughly 28-29% voter intention, her personal approval ratings have slipped to the mid-40s percent range, down from higher levels recorded in 2023.