Meloni fires back at Trump over G7 photo claim: 'Your attacks are pathetic, worry about yourself'
ROME, ITALY: The war of words between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Donald Trump escalated dramatically on Saturday, June 20, after Meloni fired back at Trump's latest criticism, accusing him of launching “senseless” attacks and telling him to focus on his own political standing.
The clash marks the latest chapter in an increasingly personal dispute that began with Trump's claim that the Italian leader had repeatedly "begged" for a photo with him during the recent G7 summit in France.
Giorgia Meloni blasts Trump for personal attacks
In a strongly worded statement, Meloni rejected Trump's latest accusations and suggested that her political fortunes have nothing to do with her relationship with the American president.
“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless,” she wrote.
The Italian leader pushed back against Trump's suggestion that she was seeking his friendship to improve her domestic standing, arguing that her support among Italians is tied to how effectively she defends national interests.
“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” Meloni said.
She also addressed Trump's criticism regarding Italy's refusal to allow the United States to use military facilities on Italian soil during recent tensions with Iran.
According to Meloni, the use of American bases in Italy is governed by longstanding agreements that both countries must respect.
“Italy remains a sovereign nation,” she wrote, before delivering perhaps the most pointed line of her statement: “I suggest you focus on yours.”
Italian Prime Minister Gigiorgia 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… pic.twitter.com/58uCXdyMVc
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) June 20, 2026
Her remarks came just hours after Trump posted a lengthy message criticizing Meloni and questioning her political strength at home.
Trump renews criticism
Earlier, in a Truth Social post, Trump claimed Meloni had repeatedly sought a photo with him during the G7 gathering and suggested her approval ratings had suffered because she refused to support American military efforts against Iran fully.
The president argued that Italy had created logistical complications by denying access to certain facilities while the United States was engaged in military operations.
Trump also dismissed the idea that he and Meloni were allies once again, writing that after the United States had achieved military success against Iran, she suddenly wanted to rebuild ties.
His comments represented a significant escalation from the original controversy, which centered on an interview Trump gave to Italian broadcaster LA7.
Io e l’Italia non imploriamo mai. pic.twitter.com/sTpKlqWB67
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 19, 2026
During that conversation, Trump claimed Meloni was eager to be photographed with him and suggested he only agreed because he felt sorry for her.
“She begged me for a picture,” Trump reportedly said during the interview. “She wanted a picture with me so badly.”
The remarks quickly sparked outrage in Italy and triggered an immediate response from Meloni.She responded at the time by calling the president's account “completely fabricated” and expressing disbelief that a close ally would make such claims publicly.
