Trump Escalates Meloni Feud Ahead of 32-Nation NATO Summit in Turkey

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 7

Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit after posting “RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED” with a photo of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, intensifying a public clash that will put both leaders at the same gathering.
The latest attack followed Trump’s accusation that Meloni lacked “courage” and failed to back U.S. efforts against Iran, including by not allowing use of Italian landing strips and runways.
Meloni has called Trump’s claims “completely made up,” saying “neither I nor Italy ever beg,” while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said transatlantic ties go beyond individual statements.
No U.S.-Italy bilateral meeting is scheduled in Turkey, though the two could still meet at summit dinners and plenary sessions.
The dispute marks a sharp break in what had been a relatively warm relationship, despite Italy’s role as a major U.S. security hub hosting nearly 13,000 American troops across six bases.