Unprecedented clash between Trump and Meloni: the Italian Prime Minister tells him to worry about his own popularity

Tensions have publicly escalated between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the US President Donald TrumpOn Saturday, the Italian leader sharply responded to new attacks from the American president, urging him to focus on his own popularity rather than hers.

The controversy stems from statements made by Donald Trump regarding the recent G7 summit held in France. The American president stated that Giorgia Meloni had sought to be photographed alongside him in order to improve his image with Italian public opinion and strengthen his relations with Washington.

On Friday, the Italian prime minister had already rejected these accusations, calling Trump a liar after he claimed she had "begged" him to pose with her at the summit. Far from subsiding, the dispute continued on Saturday when the American president reiterated his remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social, even going so far as to mispronounce the Italian leader's first name.

Giorgia Meloni responded on Instagram in a message written in English. She denounced the "constant and unprovoked attacks" that she deemed "senseless." Addressing Donald Trump directly, she added: "My popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on your own."

According to Reuters, this deterioration in personal relations between the two leaders could be linked to broader strategic disagreements. Donald Trump was reportedly irritated by Italy's refusal to allow the use of US military bases on its territory for potential operations related to the conflict with Iran.

Despite this controversy, Giorgia Meloni remains in a relatively strong political position domestically. Her government, in power since 2022, has seen its popularity rise in recent months. Her party, Brothers of Italy, continues to lead in voting intentions according to the latest polls.

This public clash between two leaders usually considered close illustrates the tensions that can arise even between allies within NATO. It also comes in an international context marked by numerous disagreements on security and foreign policy issues.