Rome, Italy. Italy’s defence minister on Monday underscored the importance of strong transatlantic relations after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed public criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Trump revives dispute with Meloni
Meloni last month accused Trump of inventing a story about her after he told an Italian television channel that she had “begged” him to take a photo with her at a G7 summit in France.
With both leaders due to attend a NATO summit in Turkey this week, Trump appeared to reignite the dispute by posting on Truth Social a picture of Meloni looking up at him with the caption “RESTRAINING ORDER NEEDED”.
The Italian prime minister has not responded to the post.
Italy calls for steady ties with the United States
“I did not have any reaction (to the post), the fundamental thing is to maintain relations with a key ally like the USA,” Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told Italy’s Sky TV.
“People come and go but relationships remain,” he added.
