US President Donald Trump has intensified his public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sharing an edited image on social media that appeared to mock the Italian leader while suggesting she was overly interested in him.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump shared a manipulated photograph of himself and Meloni with the caption: “Restraining order needed.” The post implied that the Italian Prime Minister was “obsessed” with him, continuing a growing war of words between the two leaders.
The image showed Meloni looking up at Trump with a smile, creating the impression that she was admiring him. The post quickly attracted attention online, adding another chapter to the increasingly strained relationship between the two right-wing leaders.
Trump’s Social Media Post Sparks Fresh Controversy
The post formed part of a series of controversial uploads made by Trump on Sunday.
Among them was another digitally altered image showing former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama waving before boarding an Air Force One aircraft that had been edited to appear covered in graffiti.
The posts came just days before Trump and Meloni are expected to meet during the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey, where alliance leaders are scheduled to discuss key geopolitical and security issues.
How The Trump-Meloni Feud Began
Relations between Trump and Meloni began deteriorating after remarks made by the US President following the recent Group of Seven (G7) Summit.
Trump claimed that Meloni repeatedly asked to have her photograph taken with him during the summit and suggested that she had “begged” for a picture.
He also criticised European leaders, arguing that Europe had handled both immigration and energy policies poorly.
According to Trump, unless Europe addresses those issues, the continent “will never be the same.”
The remarks triggered a diplomatic backlash in Italy.
Italy Rejects Trump’s Claims
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni firmly rejected Trump’s version of events, calling his account “completely fabricated.”
Responding publicly, Meloni insisted that neither she nor Italy had ever sought favours from the US President.
“Italy and I never beg,” she said.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Rete 4, as reported by Italian news agency Adnkronos, Meloni defended Italy’s relationship with the United States while stressing the importance of honesty between allies.
“I am not anti-American today; I was not kneeling yesterday. I am a person who believes that the West is stronger united, who believes that Italy is stronger in a united West, and has worked and continues to work for this. After that, however, solid relationships are also based on frankness, and I am a frank person,” Meloni said.
Italian Foreign Minister Cancels Washington Visit
The dispute also prompted a diplomatic response from Italy.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to Washington following Trump’s comments, signalling growing unease within the Italian government over the US President’s public remarks.
Iran Policy Adds To Growing Differences
The relationship between Trump and Meloni has reportedly become increasingly strained over foreign policy as well.
According to reports, one of the key areas of disagreement has been Italy’s reluctance to fully support US efforts against Iran.
The differences have added to broader tensions between the two leaders despite their shared conservative political positions.
NATO Summit Meeting Now In Focus
Despite the escalating public exchanges, Trump and Meloni are expected to come face-to-face during the upcoming NATO summit in Turkey.
The meeting will be closely watched to see whether the two leaders can ease tensions or whether the increasingly personal war of words continues on the international stage.