Meloni tells Trump to 'focus on your own popularity' as row escalates

Key Points:

• Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded sharply to US President Donald Trump's remarks questioning her popularity and alleging she repeatedly requested a photo with him, stating her popularity is not his concern and advising him to focus on his own.
• Trump criticized Meloni for not supporting US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and accused her of causing logistical issues by denying US military use of Italian air bases for operations in Iran, which Meloni refuted by citing existing government agreements.
• The exchange follows a growing rift between Italy and the US after Trump's military actions against Iran, despite Meloni previously asserting their relationship remained unchanged after the G7 summit.
• Trump claimed in an Italian TV interview that Meloni begged for a photo at the G7, a statement Meloni called "frankly stunned" by and emphasized that neither she nor Italy ever beg.
• The tension adds to earlier disputes, including Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV, reflecting ongoing strains between the US president and his allies.