'Being Your Friend Has Not Helped My Popularity': Meloni Hits Back At Trump As Their Feud Escalates

Last Updated:June 20, 2026, 20:11 IST

Meloni's remarks came after Trump claimed she repeatedly asked for a picture with him and accused her of trying to repair relations with the US to boost her falling popularity

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hit back at US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks amid a growing diplomatic feud over his claim that she repeatedly sought a picture with him at the G7 Summit, saying being his friend had not helped her popularity in Italy.

In the latest escalation of the rift, Trump asserted that Meloni repeatedly requested for a picture with him at the G7 Summit and accused her of trying to repair relations with Washington to boost her falling popularity after Italy failed to support US action against Iran.

In a tersely worded response, Meloni said such constant and unprovoked attacks on US allies are senseless and defended her decisions to refrain from joining the US war effort in Iran.

“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you," she said on Instagram.

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Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int...Read More

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