US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have exchanged sharp criticisms, widening the public divide between the two leaders.
Trump alleged Meloni was trying to mend relations with Washington after refusing to endorse a US-led military operation against Iran, claiming her popularity had declined due to her position.
Meloni countered, labeling Trump's remarks as 'senseless' and dismissing any implication that her political standing depended on her association with the US President.
She rejected Trump's claim that she 'begged' him for a photograph during the G7 summit in France, saying her popularity depends on her ability to defend Italy's national interest.
The dispute started when Trump asserted that Meloni had 'begged' him for a picture, which she called 'completely fabricated'.
