07.07.2026 16:51
During his meeting with President Erdoğan at Beştepe, US President Donald Trump spoke about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying: "I think she's a really nice person. Our relationship soured a bit because she refused to help us on Iran. That strained things between us a little, but I like her."
US President Donald Trump, who arrived in Ankara for the NATO Summit, was welcomed with an official ceremony by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex. Following the ceremony, the critical meeting between the two leaders began in Beştepe.
Responding to journalists' questions before the meeting, Trump made notable remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
"I LOVE HER BUT OUR RELATIONSHIP HAS STRAINED"
Trump said of Meloni, "I think she's really a nice person." However, stating that the lack of support on Iran affected their relations, Trump said, "Our relationship has been somewhat damaged because she refused to help us on Iran. This has strained my relationship with her a bit, but I love her."
IRAN TENSION SPILLS INTO NATO SUMMIT
Reports in the foreign press indicate that Trump arrived at the NATO Summit with discomfort regarding the stance of European countries on Iran. It is reported that Trump is particularly dissatisfied that countries like Italy, Germany, and France have not provided sufficient support to the US in the Iran crisis.
MELONI TENSION HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ON THE AGENDA
It is noted that the tension between Trump and Meloni has increased due to Italy's refusal to support the Iran war and its distant approach to some US demands. In the foreign press, there have been comments that the relationship between the two leaders, once seen as close allies, has noticeably deteriorated in recent weeks.
PRAISE FOR ERDOĞAN
Before the meeting in Beştepe, Trump also said of President Erdoğan, "We are very good friends, you are a great leader, you are respected. They don't know how strong Turkey is."