Trump Shares Meme Suggesting Meloni is Obsessed with Him

US President Donald Trump reignited his public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday by sharing a meme on his Truth Social platform suggesting she was obsessed with him, just a day before the two leaders will attend the Nato summit in Turkey. The image showed Meloni grinning and looking upward in Trump's direction with the caption: "Restraining order needed"

The post came amid a series of images Trump uploaded to his social media account and is the latest escalation in a dispute that began after last month's G7 summit. The timing of the post has drawn attention because Trump and Meloni are expected to meet alongside other Nato leaders at the alliance’s summit in Turkey this week.

Trump’s post followed his recent claims that Meloni repeatedly asked him for a photograph during the G7 summit. He had also alleged that Italy refused to allow the United States to use Italian runways during operations linked to the Iran conflict. Meloni has strongly rejected those allegations. She described Trump’s claims as “completely made up” and insisted that “neither I nor Italy ever beg.”

Responding to Trump’s repeated criticism in a social media post weeks ago, Meloni said, “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.” She also dismissed Trump’s remarks about her popularity, saying, “My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.” Meloni further defended Italy’s position on US military bases, saying their use is governed by existing agreements that “cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister.” She added, “Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours”.

Obama image also sparks attention

Trump’s Truth Social activity on Sunday also included a controversial doctored image of former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama. The altered picture showed the Obamas waving before boarding an Air Force One aircraft that had been spray-painted with graffiti, including references to “Yes We Can,” “Obama,” “BLM,” and Arabic text reading “alhamdulillah.” The post came months after another racially charged image involving the Obamas was deleted following bipartisan criticism.

Series of provocative posts

Trump’s Sunday posting spree also included a doctored image of Obama’s presidential library in Chicago, making it appear as though a large bag of garbage sat on top of the building and the surrounding area was a wasteland. Trump captioned that earlier post by claiming the library would become a “Mecca for those who hate America.” Mediaite reported that Sunday’s uploads also featured photos of Trump arm-wrestling the late wrestler Hulk Hogan, pictures from recent speeches and older personal photographs.

The latest exchange marks a sharp deterioration in relations between Trump and Meloni, who were once regarded as close political allies.