Meloni rebukes Trump over popularity remarks and photo claim

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni again confronted U.S. President Donald Trump on social media after he questioned her popularity in Italy and repeated his claim that she repeatedly asked for a photo together at the G7 summit in France. Trump had said Meloni was "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity" and accused her of not supporting U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

"As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you," Meloni said in an Instagram video, adding that her popularity was not Trump's concern and urging him to focus on his own.

Trump also alleged that Meloni caused a "great logistical inconvenience" by barring U.S. use of Italian air facilities for operations against Iran. Meloni responded that the use of Italian bases is governed by agreements that Italy has always respected and cannot be violated while she remains prime minister.

The exchange follows earlier remarks by Trump on Italy's La7 television channel, where he claimed Meloni had "begged" for a photo with him and expressed sympathy for her. Meloni described herself as "frankly stunned" by the allegation and said she does not know why the U.S. president behaves this way toward allies, emphasizing that neither she nor Italy ever begs.

The dispute highlights a growing tension between the two leaders since Trump’s military action against Iran earlier this year, adding to previous criticisms Trump made of other Italian figures.