Key facts
- President Donald Trump posted a meme on Truth Social of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with the caption 'Needs a restraining order'.
- The post was made shortly before the NATO summit in Ankara.
- Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that transatlantic relations are more significant than individual statements.
- Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stressed the importance of maintaining relations with the U.S.
- Trump previously alleged Meloni 'begged' for a photo at the G7, a claim she denied.
- Trump has also criticized NATO's relationship with the U.S. as one-sided.
U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by posting a photo of them on Truth Social with the caption, 'Needs a restraining order.' The post appeared on July 5, just hours before the NATO summit in Ankara, where both leaders are scheduled to meet.
Italian officials sought to contain the fallout, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani telling Sky TG24 that 'transatlantic relations go far beyond individual statements.' Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stressed the importance of maintaining relations with the U.S. as a vital ally, stating he did not react to the meme. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini indicated he would no longer comment on such matters.
The incident follows a previous public exchange where Trump claimed Meloni had 'begged him to take a photo together' at the G7 summit, a statement Meloni refuted as 'totally invented.' Trump has also recently criticized NATO, describing the alliance's relationship with the United States as a 'one-way relationship' and presenting data on military spending contributions.