Trump Escalates Feud With Meloni Ahead of NATO Summit
Trump-Meloni dispute heats up before NATO summit in Ankara See how Italy and the U.S. keep ties steady despite the clash
President Donald Trump intensified his public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where both leaders are attending this week.
The tension grew after Trump posted a photo on Truth Social with the caption "RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED," following earlier remarks in which he mocked Meloni’s request for a picture at the G7 summit. Meloni rejected his claims and said his comments were made up.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the dispute should not define broader ties between the two countries, adding that transatlantic relations are larger than individual statements. Italy remains an important U.S. security partner in Europe, with thousands of American troops stationed at bases there.