Donald Trump Softens Tone on Giorgia Meloni Ahead of NATO Summit, Says 'She's a Nice Person' (Watch Video)
US President Donald Trump struck a conciliatory tone toward Italian PM Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, July 7, in Ankara, calling her a 'nice person' despite previous public disputes. Trump attributed their past tension to Italy’s refusal to support US efforts in the Hormuz Strait. The comments come as Trump pressures European NATO allies to increase their defense spending ahead of the summit.
US President Donald Trump appeared to move past a weeks-long diplomatic dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, July 7, adopting a more conciliatory tone as he arrived in Ankara, Turkey, for a high-stakes NATO summit. The two leaders had been embroiled in a public feud since late last month, when Trump claimed in an Italian television interview that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit, adding that he only agreed because he "felt sorry for her". Meloni denied the assertion, labelling it "made up," which triggered a personal rift that escalated over several weeks.
Escalation and Reconciliation
The diplomatic spat deepened last Sunday when Trump shared a doctored image on his Truth Social platform that depicted Meloni looking at him adoringly, accompanied by the text: "Restraining Order Needed". ‘My Popularity Is None of Your Concern, Focus on Yours’: Giorgia Meloni Fires Back at Donald Trump.
Donald Trump Says Giorgia Meloni Is a Nice Person
However, during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday, Trump offered a different perspective. "I think she’s a nice person, actually," Trump said, before clarifying the source of the initial tension. "We had a bad relationship, folks. It became a little bad because she refused to help us… She refused to get involved with the Hormuz Strait," Trump said, citing Italy's reluctance to participate in the US-led response to the war on Iran. "I like her, I think she’s a nice person actually, but I think she made a mistake.. she just wasn’t there for us and I wasn’t happy about that," he added. Did Giorgia Meloni Beg Donald Trump for a Photo at G7 Summit? Italy PM Rejects US President's Claims (Video).
NATO Summit Context
The Ankara summit comes at a critical juncture for NATO, as the United States shifts its security priorities and exerts pressure on European allies to bolster their defence spending. Ahead of the gathering, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of several NATO nations, demanding "loyalty" and increased financial commitments. European allies are expected to showcase record defence spending at the summit in an effort to address the administration's concerns. For his part, President Erdogan’s role as host has provided a stage for Trump to discuss the future of the alliance, even as underlying disagreements regarding global military contributions and regional security remain prominent topics of debate.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2026 10:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).