"Focus on your own popularity": Meloni fires back at Trump in explosive war of words

Meloni's response came hours after Trump posted on Truth Social, where he suggested the Italian leader was struggling politically at home and was attempting to repair ties with him after disagreements over Iran.

"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G7 meeting in France," Trump wrote. "She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America... when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon."

Trump also accused Italy of refusing to allow the US military to use its airfields and runways, calling it a "great logistical inconvenience" despite Washington's longstanding security commitments to NATO allies.

"Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!!" he added.

Meloni responded sharply on Instagram, dismissing Trump's remarks as baseless and unnecessary.

"My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours," she wrote, describing the President's "constant, unprovoked attacks" as "senseless."

The dispute began after Trump told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph during the summit.

"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," Trump said.

Meloni categorically rejected the claim.

"Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I'm frankly appalled," she said.

In one of her strongest responses yet, the Italian Prime Minister argued that Trump's comments reflected a broader pattern of hostility toward US allies.

"I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies; after all, it's not the first time it has happened," she said.

Meloni further suggested that Trump appeared more confrontational toward America's partners than toward its adversaries.

"It is a shame that he doesn't show the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States," she said.

Ending her remarks on a defiant note, Meloni declared: "One thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg."

The unusually public exchange marks a rare confrontation between two leaders often viewed as ideological allies on several international issues. It also comes at a sensitive moment for transatlantic relations, as disagreements over Iran, NATO commitments and Middle East policy continue to expose divisions among Western partners.