Meloni Tells Trump to Focus on His Own Popularity Amid G7 Spat

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told US President Donald Trump to focus on his own popularity in a recent social media post.

Mr Trump had earlier taken to social media himself to say Ms Meloni was "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity".

In response, Ms Meloni told Mr Trump that "being your friend" certainly had not helped her popularity, nor was her popularity dependent on their relationship.

"My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done," Ms Meloni said in the Instagram post.

"In any case, my popularity is none of your concern.

"I suggest you focus on yours."

Another 'senseless' attack

The popularity debate came after Mr Trump's claim Ms Meloni had "begged" for a photo together during the G7 meeting in France, which took place on June 15 to 17.

Speaking on an Italian TV channel, Mr Trump said Ms Meloni was "probably happy" that they talked.

Despite not being asked by the journalist about the Italian prime minister, Mr Trump continued to make claims about their conversation.

"I didn't have to talk to her," he said.

"She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly.

"I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her."

Mr Trump's quotes were according to La7's translation of the interview, as the channel only released a dubbed version of the audio.

"These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless," Ms Meloni wrote in her recent post.

A video from the G7 event had showed Ms Meloni and Mr Trump deep in conversation.

Previous allies

The relationship between Mr Trump and Ms Meloni had begun as a close political relationship, with these further comments adding to the rift between the two leaders.

In 2025, Ms Meloni was the sole European leader to attend the US president's inauguration.

The trip was largely viewed as a way to build a strong relationship between the nations.

Now, Mr Trump claims Ms Meloni turned down the United States when it came to stopping Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapon.

He says the US is "a country that truly loves and protects Italy".

"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways," he posted, "despite the fact the US contributes hundreds of billions of dollars a year to protect Italy".

Due to Mr Trump's comments, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled an upcoming visit to the US.

"The grave and offensive words of President Trump … offend the whole of Italy," Mr Tajani said on X.