Trump’s fresh taunt at Meloni fuels tensions ahead of NATO summit

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, escalating tensions between the two leaders ahead of the NATO summit.

On Sunday, Trump posted a photo of Meloni on Truth Social with the caption, “RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED.” He arrived in Ankara, Turkey, on Tuesday for the NATO summit, where Meloni is also attending.

Trump and Meloni were once seen as close allies. Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration. However, their relationship began to deteriorate following the G7 summit in June.

Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph. Speaking to Italy’s La7 television channel, he said:

“She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her. She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.”

Meloni dismissed the remarks as “completely made up,” saying:

“I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination toward the enemies of the West and the United States. And there is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also responded to Trump’s comments, saying:

“Trump’s statements about Meloni speak for themselves. We are convinced that transatlantic relations go far beyond individual statements.”

Although no bilateral meeting between Trump and Meloni is scheduled during the summit in Turkey, the two leaders are expected to cross paths at the NATO leaders’ dinner, plenary sessions, and other official events.

The dispute has also been fueled by differences over the Middle East conflict. Trump accused Italy of failing to support U.S. operations against Iran by refusing to allow American forces to use Italian airfields and runways, calling it “a great logistical inconvenience.”

He further claimed that Meloni’s popularity in Italy was declining because she had turned down the United States, despite Washington’s efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Italy remains one of America’s key security partners in Europe. As of the end of 2025, nearly 13,000 U.S. troops were stationed across six military bases in the country.

Meloni’s office declined to comment on the latest developments, while the White House had not issued an immediate response.