Trump and Meloni’s War of Words: A Closer Look

Comments made by former President Donald Trump about Giorgia Meloni have led to a public spat between the two, focusing on their popularity with voters. Trump claimed on Saturday that Meloni was “doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity.” Meloni responded directly, saying that being a “friend” to Trump “certainly has not helped” her within the country. She added, “My popularity is none of your concern,” advising Trump to focus on his own issues.

Background on the Trump-Meloni Dispute

Meloni ranks among Trump’s staunchest supporters in Europe, and they have generally maintained a close relationship. However, differences arose due to the Iran conflict. Meloni criticized the civilian casualties resulting from U.S.-Israeli military actions. She also showed support for Pope Leo XIV during a U.S.-Vatican conflict. The tension escalated as both traveled to France for the G7 Summit, which occurred from June 15 to 17.

At the summit, Trump told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni “begged” him for a photo together. “She wanted a picture with me so badly,” Trump stated. “I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.” Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, canceled a U.S. visit in response to these “offensive” remarks. Meloni denied these claims, asserting that “neither I, nor Italy, ever beg.”

On Saturday, Trump reiterated on Truth Social that Meloni had “asked, over and over, for a picture with me.” He suggested her popularity suffered due to her declining his administration’s request for European support in military efforts in Iran. He added, “Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again.”

Meloni replied via Instagram, “These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you.”

Comparing Popularity Through Polls

As Trump and Meloni dispute their popularity, polls indicate neither has a significant advantage. A YouGov survey shows Trump with 40.6% favorable and 58.1% unfavorable ratings, leaving him at a net -17.5. Meloni’s net favorability in Italy stood at -17 in May, with 38% holding a positive view and 55% a negative one. Despite this, she fares better than other European leaders like U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (-51) and French President Emmanuel Macron (-60).

Regarding approval ratings, Meloni has a 44% approval rate according to Ipsos. Trump shows 36% approval in a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey, marking a slight improvement. The Marist Poll with NPR and PBS News also reported Trump at 36% approval, indicating low points tied to economic concerns.

Broad assessments by Statista place Meloni’s approval at 39%, close to Trump’s 38%. Their disapproval rates match closely at 55% for Meloni and 57% for Trump.

Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia), dominates in Italy’s parliamentary voting intentions at 28%. The Democratic Party follows at 22% as per Politico’s June 15 data. Although no recent polls captured the fallout from the Trump feud, Italian media appears supportive of Meloni. The right-wing newspaper Libero featured a headline calling Trump “un a**hole.”