US President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for refusing aid in the US war against Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, 'Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly wanted to take photos with me during the G7 meeting in France.'
Meloni, in a statement to Reuters, said Trump's claim was 'completely fabricated,' adding, 'I don't know why the US President behaves this way toward his allies; this is not the first time.'
Air Base Use Refused
In his social media post, Trump accused Meloni of not helping the US during the intense period of the Iran war.
Writing that 'her popularity in Italy is low, probably because she refused the United States on preventing Iran from obtaining or developing nuclear weapons,' Trump said he was disappointed that Meloni did not allow US forces to use the runways and airstrips in Italy.
According to a March report by The Guardian, Italy refused the use of an air base in Sicily to US warplanes carrying weapons to be used in the operation against Iran.
Meloni's Sharp Response
Meloni posted a lengthy response to Trump's post on Instagram on Saturday afternoon.
She wrote, 'As for my popularity, being your friend certainly didn't help, nor does it stem from my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interests, and I have always done exactly that.'
Meloni added, 'That is also what Italy does regarding 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.'
The Italian Prime Minister concluded, 'Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yourself.'
Strain in Relations
Cracks in the relationship between Trump and Meloni began when Trump imposed global tariffs. Despite Meloni's attempts to secure trade relief for Italy, the US's 15% tariff on most EU imports remains.
In April, after Trump criticized Pope Leo for his foreign policy views on Iran, Meloni showed a rare public reaction by calling the president's comments 'unacceptable.'
Meloni had insisted that Italy would not join the war before the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding halting hostilities for 60 days.
In a speech to the Italian Senate in March, the Italian Prime Minister said, 'Italy is not participating and does not intend to participate.'
