Trump posts meme mocking Italian PM Meloni on eve of NATO summit

The post

On 5 July, Donald Trump shared a meme on his social network Truth showing a photo of himself with Giorgia Meloni. The image, apparently taken during the G7 summit in Évian, France, was overlaid with the text 'Restraining order needed'. The post appeared without any immediate trigger, after days of silence from Trump.

Background tensions

The relationship between the two leaders had been strained since the Évian summit, where differences emerged over Italy's stance on the US conflict and Meloni's defence of Pope Leo XIV following an earlier Trump attack. Despite those frictions, the Italian government had recently sent a high-level delegation to the Independence Day celebration hosted by the American ambassador in Rome, in what was seen as a mediation attempt.

Reaction in Italy

Carlo Calenda, leader of the Azione party, responded on social media with a sharp condemnation.

Trump is an ignoble cheap bully. Full solidarity with the Prime Minister.

Meloni had previously stated she would no longer respond to Trump's provocations, and there is no indication she will break that silence this time.

NATO summit looms

The timing of the post is notable: the NATO summit is scheduled for 7–8 July in Ankara, where both leaders are expected to attend. The meme adds a layer of personal friction to an already delicate diplomatic gathering.