Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responds to a public dispute with US President Donald Trump by telling him to “focus on your own popularity.” The remarks follow Trump’s claims that Meloni “begged” for a photo together, which have been challenged by Meloni and have escalated into a wider public exchange.
According to reporting summarized by multiple outlets, Meloni makes her comments via social media as the controversy grows. Other coverage also notes that Trump continues to defend his version of events, with further attacks and counter-claims trading between the two leaders. Separate reports say Meloni pushes back by accusing Trump of pandering to the West’s “enemies,” while Trump responds with criticisms of Meloni’s standing in Italy.
The dispute is presented as part of a broader intensification of their public clash, drawing attention as leaders trade barbs rather than reaching a resolution over the specific claim about the photo.
