My popularity is none of your concern: Meloni jabs Trump again over begged pic claim

US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the G7 Summit in France, alleging that she was attempting to boost her popularity in Italy. However, reacting to Trump's latest comments, Meloni rebuked him, saying, "my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours."

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France.”

Trump claimed that Meloni was facing declining popularity in Italy and linked it to her stance on US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapon.

“She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did Nato, for that matter!),” Trump said.

The US President also criticised Italy for not allowing the United States to use Italian landing strips or runways, describing it as a major logistical challenge.

“She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other ‘so-called’ Nato Allies,” Trump wrote.

Trump further claimed that after the US “defeated Iran militarily,” Meloni sought to improve ties with Washington. “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” Trump said in the post.

MELONI CALLS ATTACKS SENSELESS

Responding to Trump's remarks, Meloni called the attacks "senseless" and rejected the suggestion that her popularity depended on her relationship with the US President.

“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,” Meloni said.

She said her popularity was tied to her ability to defend Italy's national interests and defended her government's position regarding American military bases in the country.

“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done. That is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister,” she said.

Meloni stressed that Italy remained a sovereign nation and dismissed Trump's comments about her approval ratings.

“Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours,” she added.

'MELONE BEGGED FOR A PHOTOGRAPH'

On Friday, Trump claimed Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph at the G7 Summit, a remark that triggered a sharp diplomatic row between the two allies. Trump said Meloni was "probably happy" that he spoke to her during the summit.

Responding on Friday, Meloni strongly rejected Trump's account and accused him of fabricating the story. "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover," Meloni said.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned trip to the United States following the controversy.