Trump Reasserts Meloni Photo Claim, Accuses Italy of Undermining Iran Policy
Donald Trump has reaffirmed his claim that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni 'begged' for a photograph at the G7 summit, further accusing her of obstructing US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
In a post on Truth Social, the former US President alleged that Meloni caused 'a great logistical inconvenience' by denying US access to Italian air facilities for military actions against Iran. This follows reports from March that Italy blocked US military aircraft from utilising Sigonella air base in Sicily for such operations.
Meloni had previously expressed astonishment at Trump's initial claim, stating she was 'frankly stunned' and questioned why the US President would act this way towards allies. She underscored that 'neither I nor Italy ever beg', noting his apparent leniency towards 'enemies of the West'.
Trump, in his latest social media missive, contended that Meloni's popularity in Italy was 'doing poorly' and implied her renewed friendliness was a tactic to 'get her numbers up' following a supposed US military victory over Iran. He emphatically stated, 'No thanks!!!'
This ongoing public exchange highlights a growing diplomatic fissure between Washington and Rome, particularly after recent US military actions in the Middle East, which ostensibly serve to underwrite the petrodollar system and broader dollar hegemony in the region.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has since cancelled a scheduled trip to the United States, a move interpreted as a further indication of deteriorating relations. The public disagreement between the two leaders traces back to earlier this year when Trump's disparaging remarks about Pope Leo XIV were deemed 'unacceptable' by Meloni.
