Meloni navigates Trump spat to bolster domestic standing

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has skillfully turned a public feud with US President Donald Trump into a political asset at home. The tension escalated at the G7 summit in Évian-Les-Bains, France, in June, where Trump accused Meloni of 'begging' for a photo. Meloni responded on social media, urging Trump to focus on Western enemies. Trump then posted an image of Meloni with the caption 'Restraining Order Needed'. Despite this, Meloni has delegated harsh responses to foreign minister Antonio Tajani and defence minister Guido Crosetto. A late June poll by ISPI and Ipsos found 51% of Italians no longer consider the US a reliable ally, and 38% believe Italy should be more autonomous. Meloni is eyeing the US mid-term elections in November, where Trump may lose congressional control, and Italy's own election next year. Appearing too close to Trump could harm her re-election chances. Meloni, who lost a key referendum in March, understands perception is crucial.