US President Donald Trump accused Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of refusing to allow the US to use Italian landing strips or runways during the military campaign related to Iran, calling it a "great logistical inconvenience" despite the US contributing hundreds of billions of dollars annually to protect Italy and other NATO allies [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Trump also claimed Meloni repeatedly sought a photo with him multiple times during the recent G7 summit in France to boost her domestic popularity, saying she is "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity" [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Meloni strongly rejected Trump's accusations in statements on June 20 and on social media, calling his attacks "senseless" and "completely made up". She said, "President Trump, 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." She added that her popularity relies on defending Italy's national interests, not on any photo opportunities with Trump [1, 2, 3, 5].

She emphasized that the use of US military bases and facilities in Italy is governed by longstanding agreements "that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am Prime Minister. Italy remains a sovereign nation" [1, 3].

Trump further accused Italy and Meloni of refusing to help prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapon. He said, "After spending Trillions of Dollars on NATO, Italy, and its Prime Minister, wouldn’t even think of becoming involved with the Islamic Republic of Iran and their very serious Nuclear Threat. For decades, we defend them but, when tested, they are not there to defend us, and the rest of the World. Not good." [1, 2, 4, 5]

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the US in reaction to the comments, calling Trump's remarks "serious and offensive" [2].

The dispute dates back to March 2026, when Italy denied US warplanes carrying weapons to a Sicilian air base for the campaign against Iran [5]. On June 20, Trump publicly criticized Meloni for denying base access and for seeking photos at the G7 summit, claims Meloni responded to the same day, while Tajani canceled his US trip [1, 2, 3, 5]. On June 21, Trump repeated his criticism via social media [4].

Meloni’s government, in power since 2022, has an approval rating around 35% after a decline in 2025, while her Brothers of Italy party holds about 28% support [1]. Trump's own approval stands at 36% [1].

The next notable event will be any formal diplomatic exchanges or consultations between Italy and the US following the recent public exchanges.