ROME, June 20 - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday told U.S. President Donald Trump to focus on his own approval after he alleged that she was attempting to raise her domestic popularity by mending relations with Washington.
The disagreement stems from Mr. Trump’s repeated claim that Ms. Meloni had "begged" him for a photo at this week’s Group of Seven summit in France - an allegation the Italian premier called a lie when she first responded on Friday. On Saturday Mr. Trump reiterated the assertion on his Truth Social platform, misspelling her name as "Gigiorgia" and writing that "she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up'."
Ms. Meloni replied in English on Instagram, saying: “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.” She added, "My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours."
Public approval figures cited in recent polling show Ms. Meloni’s government - which took office in 2022 - has seen its approval recover to roughly 35% after a steady decline during 2025. Her Brothers of Italy party remains ahead in opinion polls at about 28%, while the opposition Democratic Party stands near 22%.
Mr. Trump, who was sworn in as U.S. president in January 2025, has also experienced modest movement in his approval numbers: a Reuters/Ipsos poll found his approval had ticked up by one percentage point to 36% in the days before this exchange, leaving him close to the lowest approval levels of his political career as public dissatisfaction over the cost of living eased somewhat.
Responding to Mr. Trump on Saturday, Italy’s first female prime minister added that "being his friend has certainly not helped" her popularity.
The dispute also referenced earlier criticism by Mr. Trump of Italy for not permitting the use of U.S. military bases during the war with Iran that the United States and Israel began at the end of February. Ms. Meloni addressed that point directly, saying: “Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected and that cannot be violated. As long as I am prime minister, Italy remains a sovereign nation.”
Context and political dynamics
The exchange highlights tensions between a NATO ally and the U.S. administration over both personal charges made in the public sphere and broader questions of military cooperation. Both leaders have recently experienced fluctuations in public support, and the public airing of the dispute has unfolded alongside polling data on domestic approval for each leader.
What remains clear from the available information
- Mr. Trump publicly accused Ms. Meloni of seeking improved popularity by reestablishing friendly ties, repeating the claim across social media.
- Ms. Meloni denied the accusation, called the attacks senseless, and urged the U.S. president to concentrate on his own standing.
- The disagreement also involved criticism over the use of U.S. military bases in Italy amid the war with Iran, a matter Ms. Meloni framed as governed by existing agreements and national sovereignty.