US President Donald Trump has reignited his public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by sharing a post on his Truth Social account that many interpreted as another swipe at the Italian leader. On Monday, Trump posted a photograph of himself and Meloni from the recently concluded G7 Summit in France, accompanied by the caption: “Restraining order needed.”
The post did not explicitly state who the remark was directed at, but many social media users interpreted it as a reference to Meloni.
Several users also linked the post to Trump’s earlier claim that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the G7 Summit, an allegation the Italian Prime Minister had firmly rejected.
Trump’s ‘begged for photo’ claim
Trump and Meloni were among the world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
Speaking about his interaction with Meloni after the summit, Trump claimed that the Italian leader had repeatedly asked for a photograph with him. According to a transcript published by Italian television channel La7, Trump said Meloni “wanted a picture with me so badly” and suggested he only agreed because he “felt sorry for her”, AFP reported.
Trump also implied that he had been doing Meloni a favour simply by speaking with her during the summit. His remarks came after a video showing the two leaders in conversation had circulated online.
“She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her,” Trump was quoted as saying by the Italian broadcaster.
Meloni dismissed Trump’s claims
Meloni strongly rejected Trump’s remarks, describing them as completely false and expressing surprise over his comments.
“I can only say that it’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States, and instead is much more accommodating toward certain leaders. But there is one thing he must remember: neither Italy nor I beg,” she said.
She added, “Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves like this towards his allies. Moreover, this is not the first time.”
Trump’s comments also had diplomatic repercussions, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a planned visit to the United States shortly afterward.
The latest exchange adds to a series of public disagreements between the two leaders. Although Meloni was once regarded as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, relations have become increasingly strained in recent months. She has criticised the US President over several issues, including his remarks targeting Pope Leo following the pontiff’s criticism of the Iran conflict. Trump, in turn, accused Meloni of lacking courage.
