Trump Rekindles Meloni Feud, Hints at Her 'Pursuit' of Him

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni through a new post on "Truth Social." On Sunday evening, Trump shared a photo of Meloni looking at him with a smile, accompanied by a caption demanding "a restraining order." This development follows Trump's previous praise for Meloni, whom he once described as a "beautiful young woman." However, public tension emerged on June 20, when Trump accused Meloni of "repeatedly asking for a photo with him" during the G7 summit in France. Trump had then alleged Meloni's popularity in Italy was "low," suggesting it might stem from her rejection of a U.S. offer — from a nation expressing "all love and protection" for Italy — to prevent Iran from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons. He also hinted Meloni sought to revive their friendship to boost her public standing, criticizing her for refusing to allow U.S. use of Italian airfields should a war with Iran erupt. Meloni fiercely responded to Trump's attacks via a social media post, labeling them "absurd, constant, and unjustified." She sarcastically added: "As for my popularity, my friendship with you certainly hasn't improved it, nor does it depend on our relationship. My popularity is none of your business; I advise you to focus on your own." Meloni further affirmed that the use of Italian bases "is subject to agreements Rome has always respected and cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister." Trump's latest post is part of a series targeting political adversaries. Trump had previously turned against Meloni last April, after she defended Pope Leo XIV against his criticisms of the Pontiff's anti-war stances, accusing the Italian leader of not assisting the U.S. through NATO.