In a massive face-off, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday responded to US President’s latest claims that she asked for a picture over and over during the G7 Summit, and said that such constant and unprovoked attacks on her are “senseless”.
In direct reply to Trump’s post on Truth Social, Meloni took to Instagram and wrote, “President Trump,
these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.”
Further responding to Trump’s claims that the Italian Prime Minister’s popularity in Italy had declined, attributing it to her opposition to the US’s position on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, she responded by saying, “As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.”
“That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation,” she added in a befitting reply to Trump over claims that Meloni had rejected US requests to use Italy’s airstrips and runways, calling it a “great logistical inconvenience” to Washington.
“In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she added.
Trump Repeats Italy PM ‘Begged For A Selfie’ Claim
Meloni’s response came after US President Donald Trump on Saturday again stated that the Italian Prime Minister repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the recent G7 Summit, held in France. He further alleged that Meloni’s popularity in Italy had declined because of her opposition to the US’s position on Iran.
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France. She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!),” he said in a post on Truth Social.
“She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the US contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other ‘so-called’ NATO Allies,” he wrote, adding, “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up’. No thanks!!!”
Row Over Trump’s Claim
Sparking a massive row, Trump while speaking to Italian broadcaster La7 after the G7 summit, said that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the gathering of world leaders. “She wanted a picture with me so badly,” the US President said, adding, “I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.”
Responding to the US President’s claim soon, Meloni hit back and said, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.” She added that she was “stunned” by Trump’s claim.