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In any case, my popularity is none of your concern,' Meloni wrote, 'I suggest you focus on yours'Last updated 43 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.Donald Trump escalated a diplomatic row with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, accusing her of repeatedly seeking a photograph with him and linking the dispute to tensions over Iran and NATO. (AFP)President Donald Trump and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni traded barbs for a second day in an unprecedented blowout between the two leaders.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorIn a social media post on Saturday, Trump continued to insist — as he did on Friday — that Meloni had repeatedly asked for a photo with him at this week’s G7 meeting but he refused because Italy didn’t help the US with the bombing campaign against Iran.“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” Trump added.Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againMeloni retorted almost immediately in a post on Instagram Saturday, saying the “constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.”“Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern,” she wrote. “I suggest you focus on yours.”Meloni opposed the Iran war from the beginning but became more vocal in her criticism as energy prices surged. Italy in March denied the US the use of an airbase in Sicily for combat operations during the war, citing rules that date back to the 1950s.Earlier this year, Meloni also defended Pope Leo XIV, saying the president’s remarks criticizing the pontiff for his opposition to the war were “unacceptable.” That prompted Trump to say he was “shocked” by her and that she lacked courage.Tensions had appeared to ease at the G7 summit this week in France, with Italian diplomats saying the two had cleared the air. But, in remarks aired Friday by La7, Trump said Meloni had “begged” for a picture with him at the summit and that he felt “sorry for her,” something she said was “totally made up.”“I can only say it’s regrettable he doesn’t have the same determination with the enemies of the West, the enemies of the US, with leaders he’s far more accommodating with,” she said in response from a European Union leaders meeting in Brussels.Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.