Trump and Meloni Clash Over Popularity

Comments from President Donald Trump about Giorgia Meloni have sparked a dispute with the Italian Prime Minister. The two leaders are now exchanging sharp remarks about their popularity among voters.

What Triggered the Conflict?

Meloni, one of Trump’s loyal political allies in Europe, has generally maintained a close relationship with him. However, tensions increased due to the Iran conflict. Meloni criticized the disregard for civilian casualties during U.S.-Israeli strikes and supported Pope Leo XIV in a disagreement between the United States and the Vatican. This dispute intensified when both leaders attended the G7 Summit in France.

Trump claimed on Italian TV channel La7 that Meloni had requested a photo with him during the Summit, held from June 15 to 17. “She wanted a picture with me so badly,” he said. “I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.” Meloni strongly disputed this claim, calling it “completely unfounded” and stating “neither I, nor Italy, ever beg.” Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, canceled a U.S. visit due to these remarks.

Popularity Dispute

Both leaders challenged each other’s popularity claims. Trump posted on Truth Social accusing Meloni of repeatedly asking for a photo and noted her popularity was suffering because she declined a request to aid in military efforts in Iran.

Meloni responded via Instagram, arguing that being Trump’s friend has not improved her popularity, nor does her standing depend on him. She described Trump’s comments as “constant, unprovoked attacks” that are “senseless.”

Poll Results

Polls indicate neither leader has significant popularity worth boasting. According to a YouGov survey, Trump’s favorability is at 40.6 percent, with 58.1 percent unfavorable—a net rating of -17.5. Meloni’s net favorability in Italy, as reported by the same pollster, is -17, with 38 percent holding a positive opinion, 55 percent negative.

Despite this, Meloni ranks ahead of other European leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (-51) and French President Emmanuel Macron (-60).

Regarding governing success, Meloni has a 44 percent approval rating from Ipsos, surpassing Trump’s 36 percent in a Reuters/Ipsos survey, showing a minor increase. Another Marist Poll conducted with NPR and PBS News also estimated Trump’s approval at 36 percent, marking a low following economic concerns.

A Statista survey measuring world leader ratings found Meloni at 39 percent approval compared to Trump’s 38 percent, with disapproval at 55 percent and 57 percent, respectively.

Political Standing

Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia), leads Politico polling for parliamentary voting intention at 28 percent, with the opposition Democratic Party at 22 percent as of June 15. Though no recent polls exist post-conflict, Italian media has shown support for Meloni. The right-wing newspaper Libero called Trump an “a**hole” in a front-page headline on Saturday.