President Donald Trump escalated his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday by posting a meme on Truth Social that depicted her looking up at him with the caption 'RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED.' The post was part of a flurry of dozens of posts and reposts on the platform.
Background of the Feud
The dispute began in June when Trump claimed Meloni 'begged' him for a photo at the G7 summit in France. 'She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,' Trump said. Meloni responded in a video, calling the story 'completely fabricated' and declaring, 'Italy and I do not beg.'
Escalation and Reactions
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his trip to the United States in protest, calling Trump's claim 'serious and offensive.' A viral video from the summit showed Meloni looking at Trump without appearing to beg, prompting criticism. Trump later told NBC News that Meloni had asked for a photo 'over and over' and that she was 'a big fan' of his. He also mentioned her popularity in Italy, to which Meloni replied, 'My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.'
Latest Post and Criticism
Sunday's meme drew widespread criticism on X, with users accusing Trump of acting desperate and abusing power. One user said, 'Desperate much?' while another wrote, 'This is how men who abuse women act.' Others expressed concern over Trump's impact on alliances, with one stating, 'He's determined to destroy all our most valuable alliances. Putin is pleased.' Meloni has not yet responded to the latest post.
