US President Donald Trump has intensified his public spat with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by sharing a meme on his Truth Social platform just a day before both leaders are set to attend the Nato summit in Turkey.

The image showed Meloni smiling and looking upward in Trump’s direction with the caption: “Restraining order needed.” The meme was part of a series of posts shared by Trump on Sunday and comes as tensions between the two leaders continue to grow following last month’s G7 summit.

The timing of the post has drawn attention, with Trump and Meloni expected to meet alongside other Nato leaders during the alliance’s summit.

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Trump-Meloni row continues

Trump’s latest post follows his recent claims that Meloni repeatedly asked him for a photograph during the G7 summit. He had also alleged that Italy refused to allow the United States to use Italian runways during operations linked to the Iran conflict.

Meloni has firmly denied both allegations, calling Trump’s claims “completely made up” and insisting that “neither I nor Italy ever beg”.

Responding to Trump’s criticism in a social media post weeks earlier, she wrote, “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.”

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

Defending Italy’s position on US military bases, Meloni said their use is governed by existing agreements that “cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister.” She added, “Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours”.

Other posts draw attention

Trump’s activity on Truth Social on Sunday also included a doctored image of former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

The altered image showed the couple boarding an Air Force One aircraft covered in graffiti, including references to “Yes We Can,” “Obama,” “BLM,” and Arabic text reading “alhamdulillah”.

Another edited image appeared to show Obama’s presidential library in Chicago with a large bag of garbage placed on top of the building. Trump claimed the library would become a “Mecca for those who hate America.”

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According to Mediaite, Trump’s Sunday posts also featured photos of him arm-wrestling the late wrestler Hulk Hogan, images from recent speeches and older personal photographs.

The latest exchange marks a further deterioration in relations between Trump and Meloni, who were once seen as close political allies.

FAQs:

Why did Donald Trump post about Giorgia Meloni?

Trump shared a meme amid his ongoing public dispute with the Italian Prime Minister ahead of the Nato summit.

What did the meme shared by Trump say?

The image carried the caption: “Restraining order needed”.