Image Source, EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
An AI-generated meme in Italy has gone viral on social media, depicting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in scenarios expected from someone breaking up and feeling melancholic.
One manipulated image shows her with a new hairstyle, while others display her booking events for singles, training for runs, or creating profiles on dating apps.
None of these images are real; they are satirical comments on the publicly deteriorating political relationship between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Over recent months, their relationship has escalated to serious levels, with public accusations and personal insults becoming prominent, making it a hot topic in European politics.
Earlier, Meloni was known for her close ties with Trump. She was the only European leader seated in the front row at his inauguration in 2025.
Image Source, Reuters
In April, she was among EU leaders invited to the White House to discuss reducing tensions over US tariffs on European goods.
Meloni, rooted in Italy’s far-right ‘post-fascist’ political tradition, has sought to position herself as a liberal and reliable representative of European right-wing politics. However, her closeness with Trump has often been diplomatically controversial.
This relationship was tested at the highest stage, and the evidence was clear.
Handling Trump’s unpredictable behavior posed multiple challenges, causing damage to her national and international credibility.
The real concern arose near the end of March when Italy’s Defence Ministry denied parliamentary approval for US military planes bound for the Middle East to use the NATO airbase at Sigonella in Sicily.
The decision was based on Italy’s Constitution and strong public anti-war sentiment.
Tensions further escalated in the following weeks.
In April, Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on his Truth Social platform, criticizing the pope’s strong anti-war stance and labeling him “weak on crime control.”
Meloni, governing a staunchly Catholic country, called the attack “unacceptable.”
Trump responded to an Italian daily, saying, “I’m stunned by her. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong. She is unacceptable… she is not the same person, and Italy is not the same country anymore.”
Relations seemed to improve after this. Photos emerged from the G7 summit in France showing Trump and Meloni sitting together and engaging in serious dialogue. Italian officials described this as a “clarifying discussion.”
Meloni told reporters that the atmosphere was “very positive” with no tension.
Image Source, Handout via REUTERS
However, the press was denied an opportunity to report further, and tensions resurfaced again.
A few days later, in a phone interview with an Italian broadcaster, Trump claimed Meloni “begged” him to take a picture at the summit.
The interview, dubbed into Italian, never aired in English.
“She made several efforts to take my photo,” Trump said. “I could have said no, but I felt sorry for her.”
Meloni immediately called Trump’s claim “completely fabricated.”
“I don’t understand why American presidents behave like this toward their own partners,” she said. “I can say he should show equal commitment to Western adversaries… but I have never begged, nor has Italy.”
Meanwhile, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his visit to Washington.
President Sergio Mattarella called him to express support.
Meloni’s colleagues and parliamentarians labeled Trump’s comment offensive and detrimental to national dignity, calling for an apology. Opposition parties deemed the remarks humiliating for the country.
Trump, from Camp David, doubled down on Truth Social, alleging Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo and accused the US of attempting to “befriend” her again while having militarily defeated Iran.
After this dispute subsided somewhat, a new conflict arose over military airbase usage.
Last Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Fox News that around 500 US aircraft took off from US bases in Italy to support the US-Israel operation “Epic Fury” against Iran.
He said this operation was part of broad European support.
Rome rejected this claim. Italy’s Defence Ministry called Stoltenberg’s statements “misleading” and “completely false.”
The ministry stated only technical and logistical flights were authorized, with no permission given for war actions, and requests for cross-border operations were denied.
A NATO spokesperson later clarified Stoltenberg’s intent was to inform how allies, including Italy, complied with applicable bilateral agreements.
These disputes have sparked political controversy within Italy, with Meloni’s government repeatedly stating it has not authorized the use of Italian territory for direct military actions against Iran.
How will she restore her stance diplomatically? What will happen to her strained alliance with French President Emmanuel Macron, with whom she has long-standing political rivalry? Despite this, Meloni’s political resolve is gaining significance.
The biggest question remains: will relations between Meloni and Trump improve once again?
“This could be a difficult situation,” said Gianni Riota, Vice President of the Council for the United Text and Italy.
“Meloni’s previously conciliatory approach now seems illusory; she cannot remain neutral between Europe and America,” she told the BBC.
“She tried to please both sides on Ukraine and tariffs. Then the Pope said she should be supported, but Trump does not accept that. Trump is a wealthy New Yorker who sticks to the idea of friend or foe. You either support him or oppose him. Once that image breaks, he becomes harsh, and Meloni needs to project her strong woman image as well.”
No one in Rome’s diplomatic circles desires a complete breakdown in relations.
Earlier this week, journalists heard speculation that many ministers might not attend the US Independence Day event at the American Embassy on July 2 to show unity with Meloni.
However, there is now some flexibility. Tajani declared he would attend “with pride”, and aides to the Prime Minister dismissed boycott claims, stating attendance is a personal choice.
Next month, at the NATO summit, Trump and Meloni will meet in the same room for the first time since 2025, which will be a true test of their relationship.
