'Restraining order needed': Trump fuels feud with Meloni, takes a jibe at Italy PM ahead of Nato summit

A social media post by US President Donald Trump has reignited his long-running public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni just as both leaders prepare to meet at the Nato summit in Turkey. Trump, on Sunday, shared a meme targeting Meloni on Truth Social, adding another chapter to a dispute that has intensified since last month's G7 summit.

Trump shared an image showing Meloni smiling and looking upwards in his direction, accompanied by the caption: "Restraining order needed."

The meme was part of a series of images posted on his Truth Social account and marked the latest escalation in a dispute that began following last month's G7 summit.

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The social media post surfaced just a day before Trump and Meloni are due to meet at the Nato summit in Turkey.

Disagreement dates back to G7 summit

Trump's latest post follows his earlier claims that Meloni repeatedly 'begged' him for a photograph during the G7 summit.

He also alleged that Italy refused to allow the United States to use Italian runways during operations linked to the Iran conflict.

Meloni rejected those allegations, describing Trump's claims as "completely made up" and insisting that "neither I nor Italy ever beg."

Responding to Trump's earlier criticism in a social media post, she wrote, "President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless."

She also rejected Trump's comments about her approval ratings, saying, "My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done."

Meloni further defended Italy's position on the use of US military bases, saying existing agreements govern their operation and "cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister."

"Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours".

Trump's activity on Truth Social on Sunday also included a digitally altered image of former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The edited image showed the Obamas waving before boarding an Air Force One aircraft that had been covered with graffiti, including references to "Yes We Can," "Obama," "BLM," and Arabic text reading "alhamdulillah."