WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has once again directed sharp criticism toward Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming that she is seeking to rebuild ties with him in an effort to improve her domestic political standing.

In remarks that are likely to add further strain to relations between the two leaders, Trump suggested that Meloni’s declining popularity in Italy was motivating her attempts to strengthen her relationship with the United States.

Trump Claims Meloni Requested Photographs

Speaking about his interactions with the Italian prime minister, Trump said that Meloni had repeatedly sought opportunities to be photographed with him during recent international meetings.

According to the US president, the Italian leader requested a photograph during the G7 Summit in France, which he cited as evidence of her desire to be publicly associated with him.

“The Italian prime minister repeatedly requested to take pictures with me,” Trump said, referring to their encounter at the summit.

Questions Over Meloni’s Popularity

Trump further claimed that Meloni’s approval ratings in Italy were declining and suggested that her stance on Iran may have contributed to the alleged drop in support.

“The popularity graph of Giorgia Meloni is going down significantly in Italy,” he stated.

He argued that one possible reason for the decline was her refusal to fully support the United States on matters related to Iran.

According to Trump, disagreements between Washington and Rome over regional security issues had affected bilateral cooperation.

Criticism Over Military Access

The US president also alleged that Italy had refused to grant the United States permission to use Italian runways for certain operations, a decision he implied had contributed to tensions between the two governments.

Trump emphasized the role played by the United States within the NATO alliance, arguing that Washington spends billions of dollars annually to help protect Italy and other allied nations.

“The United States provides billions of dollars every year for the protection of Italy and other NATO allies,” he said.

“No Thanks,” Says Trump

Trump went on to claim that recent developments involving Iran had strengthened the United States’ position and that Meloni was now attempting to restore friendly relations for political reasons.

“Now that America has defeated Iran, Meloni wants friendship again to boost her popularity,” Trump said.

He concluded the remarks with a blunt response: “No thanks.”

Potential Diplomatic Impact

The comments are expected to draw attention across Europe and the United States, particularly given the traditionally close relationship between Washington and Rome. Italy is one of America’s key allies in Europe and an important member of NATO, with cooperation spanning defense, trade, energy, and international diplomacy.

Political analysts note that public exchanges of criticism between leaders of allied countries are relatively uncommon and can create diplomatic challenges, especially when made during sensitive geopolitical periods.

At the time of reporting, there was no immediate response from the office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding Trump’s latest remarks.

Ongoing Political Debate

The comments come amid broader discussions about transatlantic relations, NATO responsibilities, and differing approaches among Western allies toward Middle Eastern affairs.

Observers say it remains to be seen whether the latest exchange will have any lasting impact on US-Italy relations or whether it will remain part of the increasingly personal political rhetoric that has characterized some recent international debates.

For now, Trump’s remarks have once again placed the relationship between the two leaders under the spotlight, with attention likely to focus on any response from Rome and the potential implications for cooperation between the United States and Italy in the months ahead.