European politicians from the nationalist right are distancing themselves from US President Donald Trump amid his unpopularity on the continent.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had previously been one of Trump's closest allies, sparked a public feud with the US president after he claimed she had 'begged' for a photo opportunity at a recent summit.
Meloni responded with a video message saying 'I and Italy never beg,' marking a shift in her stance towards Trump.
Trump's approval ratings are underwater even among supporters of nationalist parties, including Meloni's Brothers of Italy party and Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
European leaders have come to expect disparaging remarks from Trump, but the latest dispute reflects a new reality: it's no longer seen as beneficial to be close to the US president.
Analysts say the Iran war has brought diverging interests between European nations and the US to the forefront, making it difficult for nationalist parties to defend American interests.
Trump has repeatedly aired his frustration with European leaders over their lack of support, raising the possibility of pulling out of NATO.
