- 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.
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