President Donald Trump has made remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, suggesting she was 'begging' for a photo with him at the G7 Summit in France. These comments have sparked a backlash in Italy, with many viewing them as disrespectful not only to Meloni but to the country as a whole.
Meloni, who had previously refrained from criticizing Trump, responded via social media, stating that his assertions were 'completely made-up.' She expressed disappointment that Trump does not show the same determination towards the enemies of the West and emphasized that neither she nor Italy 'ever beg.'
Political analysts have indicated that Trump's comments are uniting Italians across the political spectrum against him, with Meloni's defense of national dignity being well-received. Senator Lucio Malan of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party stated that the attack was unprovoked and necessary to respond to.
Political scientist Giovanni Orsina noted that Trump's remarks were personal and implied a lack of dignity, framing the situation as a matter of honor for Meloni. Trump later attempted to undermine Meloni's popularity on his Truth Social platform, suggesting she was seeking to improve her standing after the U.S. military action against Iran.
In her response, Meloni criticized Trump's 'constant, unprovoked attacks' and asserted that her popularity is tied to her ability to defend Italy's national interests, not her relationship with him. She concluded by suggesting that Trump should focus on his own popularity.
Experts have suggested that Meloni's strong stance against Trump could enhance her popularity in Italy, as the former U.S. president is viewed as electorally toxic in Europe, even among right-wing factions. Orsina remarked that Meloni's public defiance has created a positive image for her, framing it as a narrative of a smaller leader standing up to a more powerful figure.