Italy's Meloni tells Trump to focus on his own popularity as row rumbles on

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday to look after his own popularity after he accused his NATO ally of trying to boost her domestic ratings by repairing ties with Washington.



The Italian premier had accused Trump on Friday of being a liar for alleging that she had "begged" him for a photo with her during this week's Group of Seven summit in France.



He repeated the assertion on Saturday, misspelling her name as "Gigiorgia" as he posted on his Truth Social platform that "she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up'".



Meloni responded, posting on Instagram in English: “President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless.”



"My popularity is none of your concern," she added. "I suggest you focus on yours.”