Trump posts ‘restraining order needed’ jab at Meloni ahead of NATO summit

US President Donald Trump has escalated his public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, posting a photo of their handshake on social media with the caption “restraining order needed.” The post came just days before the NATO summit in Ankara, where both leaders are expected to attend, and follows weeks of tit‑for‑tat exchanges over a G7 photo incident.

Background of the spat

The row began on June 19 when Trump claimed in an interview that Meloni had “begged” him for a photo during the G7 summit in France. Meloni swiftly denied the claim, stating: “Neither I nor Italy ever begs.” Trump later repeated the allegation, saying Meloni now wants to be friends again after the US “defeated Iran militarily.” Meloni responded by calling Trump’s attacks “senseless and unprovoked,” adding that being his friend had “certainly not benefited” her popularity.

Escalation before Ankara

Trump’s latest social media post has further strained relations between the two leaders ahead of the NATO summit, where allied unity is expected to be a key theme. Italian politicians have condemned Trump’s remarks, with some calling him a “vile bully.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the US in protest. Despite the tensions, both leaders are still expected to attend the Ankara summit.