Diplomatic Rift Deepens as Trump and Meloni Exchange Sharp Criticism

WASHINGTON/ROME, June 20: US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exchanged increasingly sharp public criticism on Saturday, deepening a diplomatic rift over Italy’s stance during the recent conflict involving Iran and the use of US military facilities on Italian territory.

Trump intensified his attacks on the Italian leader, accusing her government of failing to support American military operations against Iran despite what he described as extensive US security commitments to its NATO allies.

“She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, renewing complaints about Italy’s role during the conflict.

The US president claimed Washington had spent “hundreds of billions of dollars” supporting the security of its allies, only to face resistance from Rome when military cooperation was needed.

Trump also repeated allegations that Meloni had repeatedly sought photographs with him during the recent G7 summit in France in an effort to boost her popularity and restore political ties. “No thanks,” he wrote, dismissing the idea.

Earlier, Meloni firmly rejected the accusations, describing them as fabricated.

“I am frankly stunned,” the Italian prime minister said in a video posted on social media, adding that Trump’s claims were “completely made up.”

The dispute escalated further when Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to Washington, calling Trump’s remarks “serious and offensive.”

Responding directly to the latest criticism, Meloni accused the US president of launching unjustified attacks against her government.

“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless,” she wrote on Instagram.

“My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she added.

Addressing Trump's complaints over US access to military facilities in Italy, Meloni said the use of bases, runways and other infrastructure is regulated by bilateral agreements that Italy has consistently respected.

“Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister,” she said.

Emphasizing Italy’s independence in foreign policy matters, Meloni declared: “Italy remains a sovereign nation.”

In a pointed response to Trump's repeated references to her domestic standing, she added: “In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

The war of words marks one of the most serious public disagreements between the two leaders, who have often been viewed as political allies on several international issues. The exchange has also exposed growing tensions within the transatlantic alliance over military cooperation, NATO commitments and policy toward Iran.