Rome, June 20: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rejected criticism from US President Donald Trump, describing his remarks as "constant and unprovoked attacks" and asserting that her political standing is rooted in her commitment to Italy rather than her relationship with Washington.
In a sharply worded post on Instagram, Meloni responded to Trump's claims that she had sought to rebuild ties with him after the United States' military action against Iran and had repeatedly requested a photograph with him during the recent G7 summit in France.
"President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless," Meloni wrote. "My popularity does not depend on my friendship with you. It depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interests, and that is what I have always done."
The Italian leader also addressed Trump's criticism over Italy's refusal to provide military facilities for US operations. Meloni stressed that the use of American military bases on Italian soil is regulated by longstanding agreements that her government has consistently respected.
"The use of these bases is governed by agreements that we have always honored, and those agreements will not be violated while I am Prime Minister," she said.
Reaffirming Italy's sovereignty, Meloni dismissed Trump's comments about her domestic political standing, stating, "Italy remains a sovereign nation. My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours."
The exchange comes after Trump accused Meloni of attempting to improve her approval ratings by reconnecting with him following what he described as a US military victory over Iran. He also revived earlier allegations that the Italian Prime Minister repeatedly sought a photo opportunity with him at the G7 summit.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Meloni was struggling politically at home and was seeking to benefit from an association with him. He criticized Italy's stance on the Iran conflict, particularly its refusal to allow US forces access to Italian airfields and runways for military operations.
Trump argued that despite substantial American contributions to NATO and European security, Italy had declined to support key US objectives regarding Iran's nuclear programme. He described the decision as a logistical setback for American military operations.
The tensions were further fueled by comments Trump made during an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, where he alleged that Meloni had persistently requested a photograph with him during the G7 gathering and that he had agreed only out of sympathy.
The remarks sparked criticism across Italy's political spectrum and have added strain to the relationship between the two leaders, raising fresh questions about the state of US-Italy diplomatic ties.
