Giorgia Meloni hits back at Trump in furious row over ‘unprovoked attacks’

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump, criticising his "constant, unprovoked attacks" and stating her popularity depends on defending Italy's national interest, not her relationship with him.

The dispute intensified after Trump claimed Meloni "begged" him for a photograph during the G7 Summit in France and questioned her political standing, sparking a series of exchanges between the two leaders.

Meloni directly addressed Trump's comments, asserting that her popularity is not his concern and advising him to focus on his own approval ratings, which she noted were unenviable.

She also referenced the use of US military bases in Italy, affirming Italy's sovereignty and its adherence to existing agreements, following a decision to bar the US from using a Sicilian base for operations against Iran.

The quarrel originated from an interview where Trump reportedly stated Meloni "begged" for a picture, leading to her initial response that his statements were "completely fabricated" and prompting Italy's Foreign Minister to cancel a planned trip to the US.