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U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sharing a photo of her shaking his hand with the caption, "Restraining order needed."
The post followed earlier exchanges between the two leaders over a photo taken during the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, and Italy's position during the recent conflict with Iran.
Trump had previously claimed on Truth Social that Meloni had "asked, over and over, for a picture" with him during the summit.
The dispute began after Trump accused Meloni of wanting a photo with him during the G7 meeting.
In an interview aired on Italian broadcaster La7 on June 19, Trump said Meloni had "begged" to take a photo with him.
"She begged to take a photo with me. She really wanted to take a photo. I would not have taken one, but I felt sorry for her," Trump said.
Meloni responded the same day on social media, rejecting Trump's claim.
"It should be remembered that I and Italy never beg," Meloni said.
Trump later repeated his claim on Truth Social, saying Meloni had "asked, over and over, for a picture" with him during the G7 summit.
He also suggested Meloni was "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity," linking it partly to Italy's refusal to allow the U.S. to use its airspace and military infrastructure during the recent conflict with Iran.
"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other 'so-called' NATO Allies," Trump wrote.
Trump added that "after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!!"
Meloni fired back, saying Trump's remarks did not reflect the truth and rejecting the claim that she had begged for a meeting or photo.
"President Trump, these constant and baseless attacks are meaningless. As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped me," Meloni said.
The latest "restraining order" post marks another escalation in the dispute between two leaders previously described as close ideological allies.
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