Trump targets Meloni ahead of NATO Summit: “Restraining order needed” post fuels tensions

Tensions between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni have flared again before the NATO Summit in Turkey. Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing Meloni looking at him, with the words “restraining order needed” written across the top.

No direct response from Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest post. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said transatlantic relations go beyond individual statements. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said he would no longer comment on such issues.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also said he did not react to Trump’s post, adding that Italy was focused on maintaining relations with a vital ally like the United States.

Tensions began after the G7 Summit

The dispute between Trump and Meloni escalated after last month’s G7 Summit. Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him to take a photo with her and said he only agreed because he “felt sorry” for her.

Meloni rejected the claim, calling it “completely fabricated.” She responded by saying, “Italy and I do not beg.”

Trump targets Meloni over Iran: “They are not with us”

Iran war and base dispute

Another point of tension between the two leaders has been the Iran war. Trump criticized Italy for not allowing U.S. aircraft to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily. He also accused Meloni of failing to support Washington during the conflict with Iran.

Pope Leo XIV also became part of the dispute

The disagreement between Trump and Meloni also deepened over Pope Leo XIV. Trump’s criticism of the Pope and Meloni’s defense of the Catholic leader further widened the political distance between the two leaders.

Both leaders expected in Ankara

Trump and Meloni are both expected to attend the NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7-8.

The latest post has weakened expectations that diplomatic contacts during the summit could ease tensions between the two leaders.