Meloni's spat with Trump is calculated strategy to boost her approval ratings: expert

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's public dispute with former U.S. President Donald Trump is viewed by political analysts as a deliberate strategy to boost her domestic approval ratings ahead of Italy's 2027 general election. The feud intensified after Trump claimed Meloni "begged" for a photograph at the G7 summit, a narrative Meloni publicly refuted. Analysts suggest Meloni sees little downside in confronting Trump, as it may enhance her standing both at home and internationally. This confrontation marks a shift from their previous alignment, with Trump now criticizing Meloni's stance on Iran and her declining popularity.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has escalated her public response to Donald Trump's provocations, a departure from her previous approach. While Trump has previously sparred with other G7 leaders, Meloni had been among the few European leaders he appeared to like, with her outspoken conservative stance and comfort with MAGA rhetoric. Previously, Meloni had not reacted when Trump made comments about her appearance. However, this week she chose to respond to his criticisms with her own. This shift in strategy is notable given that other European leaders have either endured Trump's broadsides or, like Spain's Pedro Sanchez, have used them to their political advantage. Meloni's transition from a populist to a more practical politician is cited as a factor in this change.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that former US President Donald Trump "totally invented" a story claiming she begged him for a photo at the G7 summit. Trump made these remarks in an interview with Italian media, suggesting Meloni was eager for a picture with him. Meloni responded via Instagram, calling Trump's declarations "totally invented" and expressing her astonishment at his behavior towards allies. The incident has caused outrage in Italy, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceling a trip to the US and stating Trump's words offended all of Italy. This follows a period where Meloni and Trump had appeared to be mending their relationship after a prior falling out.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has refuted a story by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed Meloni "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit. Meloni stated Trump "made up" the story. This public disagreement follows Trump's critical remarks about Meloni's stance on Iran, suggesting a strain in their previously close relationship. Italian President Sergio Mattarella offered Meloni support, and various Italian political figures defended her, criticizing Trump's tone and suggesting his remarks were part of a pattern of offensive comments towards European leaders. Some Italian politicians believe Trump may have been irritated by Meloni's willingness to disagree with Washington when necessary.

Italy's top diplomat has canceled a trip to the United States following a dispute with former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" him for a photograph at the G7 summit in France. Meloni responded by calling Trump's statements "completely fabricated" and expressed her astonishment at his behavior towards allies. The article notes that Meloni, a far-right leader, had previously been a supportive counterpart to Trump, but they have since diverged on several issues.