U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced another confrontation in their public quarrel over Italy’s stance on Iran and NATO this weekend, with Trump again taking the Italian PM to task over her government’s position.
After the U.S. initiated military operations against Iran, Trump lashed out at Italy for not doing the same in a post on the new Truth social platform on Sunday.
Trump didn’t specifically call out Meloni but instead said he was talking about the “position”.
“After spending Trillions of Dollars on NATO, Italy, and its Prime Minister, wouldn’t even think of becoming involved with the Islamic Republic of Iran and their very serious Nuclear Threat,” Trump wrote.
“For decades, we defend them but, when tested, they are not there to defend us, and the rest of the World. Not good!”
The dispute becomes more than just a G7 Summit issue. The disagreement grows into a G7 Summit issue. The new feud follows simmering tensions between the two leaders at last week’s G7 summit.
It started with a dispute over remarks made at the meeting, but it has turned into a larger public feud that has spread to foreign policy, military co-operation, and political popularity.
Trump earlier said that Meloni had been asking to take pictures with him at the summit multiple times.
“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,” Trump said.
Later, he reiterated the statement.
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Meloni rejects Trump’s claims
Meloni vehemently refuted Trump’s version of the events.
The Italian PM, who had reportedly made a critical remark to Trump on aspects of the war with Iran at the summit, blamed the U.S. president for treating allies differently from adversaries.
She called Trump’s photo accusation “completely made up”.
The tensions grew louder following Trump’s comments that Meloni appeared to be looking to get closer to him due to losing support in the United States.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has responded directly on Saturday.
“My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she said.
The conflict has also had diplomatic repercussions. Trump’s allegations are “serious and offensive,” Tajani said.
The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had plans to travel to the United States following the exchange, but they were cancelled.
The ongoing clash is a major setback in the relations between two leaders who were perceived as political allies. But tensions over Iran and a series of public statements have put a strain on that relationship.
