21.06.2026 20:10
US President Trump's claim at the G7 summit that Italian Prime Minister Meloni "begged to take a photo with me, wanting to be friends again because her popularity has dropped" has turned into a global crisis. Meloni, responding sharply on social media, said, "Being your friend has certainly not done my popularity any good," drawing a line. This duel between the former two friends, who fell out over the Iran war and the use of US bases, has led Italian ministers to boycott US receptions.
A rift between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, long simmering behind closed doors, has erupted into an international social media war following the G7 summit in France. Once considered among the most politically and personally aligned leaders, the two now accuse each other of "popularity hunting" and "loss of reputation."
"HE BEGGED ME, I FELT SORRY FOR HIM"
The crisis was sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's interview with Italian channel La 7. Trump claimed that during the G7 summit, Meloni virtually "begged" to stand beside him and take photos, and that he "felt sorry" for her.
Meloni swiftly responded to these grave accusations with a video message she released, stating that Trump's words were "completely fabricated." Trump's response to this video, which echoed through the world press, was not long in coming.
TRUMP: HE WANTS TO BE FRIENDS AGAIN TO BOOST HIS NUMBERS
Donald Trump took his claims a step further on his social media platform Truth Social, stating: "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly wanted to have her picture taken with me during the G7 Summit in France. This is probably due to her declining popularity because she rejected us on stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The US spends hundreds of billions of dollars a year to protect Italy, while she didn't even allow us to use your runways. Now, after the US has militarily defeated Iran, she wants to be friends again to 'boost her numbers.' No, thank you!"
MELONI: BEING YOUR FRIEND HAS CERTAINLY NOT HELPED MY POPULARITY
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni replied to Trump's harsh attack on social media with language pushing diplomatic boundaries. "President Trump, these constant and unjustified attacks are meaningless," Meloni began, continuing: "As for my popularity; being your friend has certainly not helped it. My popularity does not depend on my relationship with you, but on my ability to defend Italy's national interests. I did the same regarding the US military bases in Italy. Their use is regulated by agreements, and as long as I am Prime Minister, these agreements cannot be violated. Italy is still a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on your own popularity."
HOW DID TWO FRIENDS BECOME ENEMIES?
The ties between Meloni, the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in recent months and known as "the leader whispering to Trump," and the US President snapped over two key events:
Base Showdown: During the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Italy did not allow the use of American bases on its soil.
Pope Crisis: When Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic world, opposed the war, Trump accused the Pope of being "weak," sparking outrage in Italy. After Meloni defended the Pope, Trump escalated tensions by saying, "What is truly unacceptable is Meloni herself."
ITALIAN PUBLIC OPINION BEHIND MELONI
According to the latest Ipsos polls in Italy, 69% of the public opposes the Iran war, while 74% disapprove of Trump's crisis management style. Political analysts note that ahead of next year's general elections, Meloni is both heeding these poll results and adopting this tough, nationalist stance against Trump to avoid losing voters to rising new far-right parties (National Future) at home.
In diplomatic circles, it is said that the crisis is deepening; following Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani's cancellation of his US visit, some Italian ministers have also decided not to attend the July 4th reception at the US Embassy.