Former President Donald Trump has reignited a public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sharing a doctored image of her on his Truth Social account with the words "restraining order needed" overlaid.
The post came just hours before Trump was scheduled to meet with Meloni and other NATO leaders at a summit in Turkey.
The breakdown in their relationship, once characterized by ideological alignment and perceived friendship, has intensified this year, initially stemming from disagreements over the war in Iran.
In a recent interview with Italian news outlet La 7, Trump claimed Meloni had "begged" him for a photograph at a G7 summit, stating he only took it out of pity. Meloni responded via video, calling his comments "completely made-up" and asserting that neither she nor Italy ever begs.
Meloni expressed confusion over Trump's public criticism of an ally, noting it was "not the first time it's happened." She also suggested Trump showed more leniency toward adversaries of the West than toward long-standing partners, questioning why he didn't display the same "determination" toward them.
The following day, Trump reiterated his claim that Meloni repeatedly sought a photo with him during the G7 meeting in France. He then shifted to criticize her domestic standing and Italy's position regarding Iran's nuclear program, suggesting her popularity was declining partly because she had "turned down the United States of America" by not allowing U.S. aircraft to use Sigonella air base in Sicily for flights to the Middle East in March.
Trump accused Meloni of lacking courage and failing to support the U.S. and NATO at that time, and he reportedly threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy. Meloni later criticized Trump for his public remarks directed at Pope Leo regarding his condemnation of the Iran conflict.
Meloni responded again on Instagram, calling Trump's attacks "senseless" and stating that her popularity did not depend on her relationship with him. She emphasized that her standing in Italy rested on her handling of the country's interests.
Regarding the use of military bases, Meloni stated that agreements for U.S. access were in place and had always been honored by Rome. She concluded by telling Trump that her polling numbers were not his concern.
Meloni was previously a vocal supporter of Trump and was the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 2025. However, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani subsequently canceled a visit to the U.S. in June, citing Trump's "grave and offensive words" about Meloni.