Meloni tells Trump to 'focus on your own popularity' as row escalates

June 20, 2026

A diplomatic dispute has escalated between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump, with both leaders exchanging public criticisms through social media and interviews. Trump attacked Meloni's popularity ratings and claimed she repeatedly requested photographs with him at a recent G7 summit in France, while also accusing her of blocking US military access to Italian bases for operations against Iran. Meloni forcefully rejected these allegations, calling Trump's attacks "senseless" and "unprovoked," while asserting that Italy's military agreements cannot be violated under her leadership.

Who is affected

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
US President Donald Trump
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (cancelled US trip)
The governments and citizens of Italy and the United States
Pope Leo XIV (referenced in earlier criticism by Trump)
G7 summit participants and observers

What action is being taken

Meloni is publicly responding to Trump's criticisms through Instagram statements
Trump is making public statements via social media and interviews questioning Meloni's popularity and alleging she sought photos with him
Italy is maintaining its position on not allowing US use of Italian air facilities for military operations in Iran
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is cancelling his scheduled trip to the US

Why it matters

This dispute is significant because it reveals a serious deterioration in relations between two traditionally allied nations and NATO partners. The public nature of the conflict is damaging diplomatic norms and undermines the unity of Western alliances, particularly regarding sensitive security issues like Iran policy. The rift threatens military cooperation agreements and demonstrates how Trump's confrontational approach toward allies can destabilize longstanding international partnerships, especially concerning a leader who was previously one of his closest European supporters.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC