President Donald Trump slammed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni again on Sunday, accusing her of refusing to support the U.S. military after he unilaterally waged war against Iran. In a Truth Social post that did not mention her by name but by her job title, Trump wrote: “After spending Trillions of Dollars on NATO, Italy, and its Prime Minister, wouldn’t even think of becoming involved with the Islamic Republic of Iran and their very serious Nuclear Threat. For decades, we defend them but, when tested, they are not there to defend us, and the rest of the World. Not good!”
G7 Spat Boils Over
A spat that began at the G7 summit last week is boiling over due in part to Trump’s propensity to beef with fellow world leaders who are mostly allies. Trump earlier claimed that Meloni essentially groveled for a photo opp with him during the get-together. “She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” he said. He repeated the claim.
Meloni Fires Back
Meloni, who reportedly challenged Trump on issues related to the Iran war during the summit, said he showed more deference to enemies than allies. She said his claims were “completely made up.” Trump suggested Meloni was trying to cozy up to him because of her “falling numbers.” “My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she shot back on Saturday.
Diplomatic Fallout
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a visit to the U.S. in the wake of the spat, calling Trump’s accusations “serious and offensive.” The exchange underscores growing tensions between the U.S. and a key NATO ally over the Iran conflict, with Meloni publicly challenging Trump’s unilateral actions.
