Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni’s feud appears far from over, after the US president revived it with another strange social media jab just days before a major NATO summit in Ankara.
Trump has made a fresh claim online only weeks after his last clash with the Italian prime minister drew widespread attention and prompted a sharp rebuttal from Rome.
That earlier dispute centered on his allegation that Meloni had ‘begged’ him for a photo during the June G7 summit in France, something she firmly rejected as ‘false’.
The two leaders were once widely seen as political allies, but their relationship has cooled sharply after a series of public snubs and online barbs over the past few weeks.
The tension escalated further on June 19, when Meloni hit back in an Instagram post and said she was ‘frankly stunned’ by Trump’s remark that he ‘felt sorry for her.’
“Frankly, I am stunned. Italy and I never beg. Some things deserve an immediate response. I don’t know why the US president behaves this way towards his allies.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened. I can only say it’s unfortunate he doesn’t show the same determination towards the West’s enemies.”
Trump later doubled down on the row, insisting that Meloni had asked him “over and over” for a picture and suggesting she was using the matter for political theatre.
In the days that followed, the spat appeared to cool while Trump shifted his focus to the Fourth of July holiday and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
That pause did not last. Over the weekend, Trump returned to the attack in a new Truth Social post, this time sharing a meme of himself alongside Meloni with the caption: “Restraining order needed.”
The image showed Meloni smiling and looking up at him, and quickly drew another wave of attention online.
People commenting on the post quickly weighed in with their own reactions.
“Um… Meloni @MelaniaTrump out shines her. She doesn’t stand a chance with Melania!”
“I mean, she not looking at him very presidentially. However, we do all adore you Sir. Just hope she was in a position of adornment. Otherwise, I’m on the First Lady’s team and I got your back @MelaniaTrump.”
Meloni has not publicly answered this latest post, but she has previously condemned what she described as his ‘senseless’ and ‘constant, unprovoked attacks.’
“As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” she scathingly replied after Trump mocked her approval rating. “My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”
The latest exchange comes as NATO leaders prepare to gather in Ankara on July 7 and 8, with Trump expected to press allies on defense spending and other security commitments.