Trump's Satirical Post Fuels Tension with Italy's Meloni Ahead of NATO Summit

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the necessity of maintaining solid relations across the Atlantic on Monday, following renewed tensions sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had been considered one of his key European allies.

Last month, Meloni accused Trump of fabricating a story about her after he told an Italian television channel that she "begged" him to take a photo with her during the Group of Seven summit held in France, according to Reuters.

As Trump and Meloni prepared to attend the NATO summit in Turkey this week, the former U.S. president appeared to reignite their dispute by posting on the Truth Social platform a picture of Meloni looking at him, accompanied by the caption: "A court order is needed to keep her away."

So far, the Italian Prime Minister has not responded to the post.

Speaking to the Italian Sky TV channel, Crosetto said, "I have no comment on the post; the fundamental principle is to maintain relations with a key ally like the United States."

He added, "People come and go, but relationships remain."

In contrast, opposition politicians showed less restraint.

Carlo Calenda, leader of the small Action party, expressed support for Meloni on the X platform, writing, "Trump is a nasty and despicable bully."

Previously, Meloni was among Trump's strongest supporters and was the only European leader to attend his inauguration ceremony in 2025.

However, she criticized him this year over his attack on Pope Leo, following the pope's denunciation of the war on Iran, which prompted a sharp response from Trump accusing her of lacking courage.