Trump criticizes Meloni over Iran stance, calls her a 'nice person' despite G7 photo spat

ANKARA, TURKEY: President Donald Trump was pressed Tuesday, July 7, about the viral "restraining order" post he shared about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and instead of laughing it off, he revealed the diplomatic disagreement that, according to him, soured their once-friendly relationship.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, Trump said the issue had little to do with social media and far more to do with Italy's refusal to back the United States during the Iran conflict.

Trump opens up on relationship with Meloni

While taking questions from reporters, Trump was asked to clarify what he meant by the edited image he posted on Truth Social days earlier, in which he joked that he needed a "restraining order" against Meloni.

His response quickly shifted from humor to foreign policy. "Oh, I don't know. I think she's a nice person," Trump said.

He then explained why relations between the two leaders had cooled. "We had a good relationship, but it became a little bad because she refused to help us."

Trump said he deliberately avoided putting heavy pressure on the Italian prime minister but admitted he was disappointed by Italy's position.

"She refused to get involved with Iran... You can imagine I wasn't happy about that."

President Donald Trump greets Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a summit of European and Middle Eastern leaders on October 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (Evan Vucci - Pool/Getty Images)

Trump's explanation comes just a day after he posted a digitally edited image on Truth Social showing Meloni smiling while looking toward him.

The caption simply read: "Restraining order needed."

The post immediately went viral, with many viewing it as Trump's latest swipe at the Italian leader.

Trump's remarks in Ankara offer the clearest explanation yet, indicating that Italy's decision not to participate alongside the United States have become the turning point.

Although he described Meloni as "a nice person," Trump made clear he viewed Italy's refusal to join the effort as a significant disappointment.

Trump-Meloni relationship soured after G-7 summit

The relationship between the two conservative leaders first appeared to unravel following the recent G7 summit.

Trump claimed Meloni repeatedly asked to be photographed with him during the gathering, suggesting she sought the images several times.

Meloni publicly rejected that version of events, calling it "completely fabricated."

"I never beg," she said, adding that strong alliances are built on honesty rather than submission.

She also defended her approach to relations with Washington, saying she believes the West is strongest when united but that partners must also be willing to speak candidly when disagreements arise.

The controversy prompted Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to cancel a planned visit to Washington, signaling that the exchange had moved beyond political rhetoric.