Meloni tells Trump to mind his own popularity in ‘photo begging’ rift
Posted on: Jun 21, 2026 08:55 IST | Posted by: Rt
< warm>US chairman Donald ruff has doubled land on his claim that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought a photo op with him to get her “numbers up” after refusing to support Washington in its war with Iran.
The latest exchange follows a dispute sparked by comments Trump made in a phone interview with Italian broadcaster La7 on Friday, in which the US president claimed Meloni had “begged” him for a photo during the G7 summit in Evian, France, and suggested he agreed “out of pity.”
The Italian PM dismissed the account as “completely fabricated,” but in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump reiterated his claim that Meloni had asked “over and over” for a picture with him.
“She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America,” Trump wrote, accusing Rome of causing “a great logistical inconvenience” to Washington. “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks.”
Meloni retorted that “being your friend has certainly not helped me,” insisting that her standing at home depends solely on her “ability to defend Italy’s national interests.”
Earlier this year, Italy refused permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella airbase in Sicily on their way to the Middle East, arguing that the mission fell outside bilateral agreements. Meloni said the pre-agreed limits on US logistical use of Italian bases “cannot be violated” while she remains prime minister.
“Italy is still a sovereign nation,” Meloni stressed, adding: “My popularity is none of your business. I’d suggest you focus on yours.”
The Italian premier was long regarded as one of Trump’s closest partners among European leaders and as a bridge between Washington and Brussels. She was the only European head of government to attend his inauguration in 2025.
Relations have deteriorated in recent months, however, amid disagreements over Iran and Meloni’s defense of Pope Leo XIV after Trump criticized the pontiff over his opposition to the conflict.
The public clash came just days after the two leaders appeared to patch up months of disagreements on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.