ToplineTrump continued lashing out at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday morning, blasting her over her lack of support for the Iran war and reaffirming his controversial claim that she begged him for a photo at this week’s G7 summit.Meloni denied Trump's claim she "begged" for a photo with him at the G7 summit.(Photo by EVAN VUCCI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Key FactsTrump said in a Truth Social post Meloni asked “over and over,” for a photo with him at the summit, claiming her level of popularity in Italy was declining.Trump added Meloni “turned down” the U.S. “when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon.”The president referenced when Italy denied the U.S. military permission to land at one of its bases a few weeks after Operation Epic Fury was initiated against Iran.Meloni responded to Trump in a statement Saturday, saying his “constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless” and that her popularity is none of his concern.Meloni on Friday denied Trump’s claim she begged for a photo at the G7 summit, saying in a video statement she was “astonished” by Trump’s comments and that, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”Trump doubled down on his claim Friday, saying Meloni “was a big fan,” but noting, "I don't want her as a fan because she was not there — along with the NATO group — having to do with the Strait [of Hormuz]."Meloni has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest comments.Crucial quote“As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you,” Meloni responded in her instagram statement on Saturday. “My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done. This is also what I did regarding the American military bases in Italy. Their use is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”TangentItalian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his Sunday visit to the U.S. over Trump’s comments, calling them “serious and offensive” to “all of Italy.” Tajani was scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Key BackgroundMeloni and Trump’s domestic policies are aligned, though the two leaders have found each other at increasing odds on foreign policy and cultural matters. Meloni is a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia, while Trump has maintained a highly transactional relationship with the country. While Meloni has not been outspoken in support or opposition of the Iran war, Trump has not taken lightly when Italy denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at one of its bases. The U.S. did not request clearance or consult with Italy’s military leadership before making the landing request, according to Reuters. Trump and Meloni’s most direct clash came in April, when Trump said Pope Leo XIV was “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy.” Meloni said Trump’s comments were “unacceptable,” with Trump later responding, “I thought she had courage. I was wrong.”Further ReadingTrump Stands His Ground On Controversial Meloni Comment—Here’s What He Said (Forbes)