U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are engaged in a heated public feud, exchanging barbs over a photograph taken at the G7 summit in France and Italy's refusal to allow American military access for operations in Iran. The dispute has escalated into a war of words reminiscent of an 18th-century opera rivalry.
Trump claims Meloni begged for photo
On Saturday, Trump posted on his Truth Social account: "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France." He added that 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."
This follows an earlier claim by Trump that Meloni "begged me to take a picture with her" and that he agreed "because I felt sorry for her." Meloni responded Friday with a video on social media, stating: "There is one thing he should remember — neither I, nor Italy, ever beg."
Meloni fires back over sovereignty
Meloni doubled down on Saturday with an Instagram post in English: "These constant unprovoked attacks are senseless." She also addressed Trump's grievance about Italy not allowing U.S. use of landing strips or runways for the Epic Fury war in Iran, saying: "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."
Trump had written: "She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other 'so-called' NATO Allies."
Popularity and personal attacks
Meloni dismissed Trump's comments about her popularity, writing: "As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you." She added: "My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours."
Trump, who last year called Meloni "beautiful," now appears unwilling to mend the rift. He wrote: "Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!!"
Meloni countered: "My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done."
Historical parallels
The dispute has drawn comparisons to a 1726 feud between Italian sopranos Francesca Cuzzoni and Faustina Bordoni at the London Opera House, who hurled insults and pulled each other's hair during a performance, leading to the concert's cancellation. Observers note that Trump has not yet assigned Meloni a derogatory nickname like "Pocahontas" or "Crooked Hillary," but the tension remains high.
