Giorgia Meloni accuses Donald Trump of pandering to west’s enemies

The latest exchange marks a sharp deterioration in ties, coming just days after signs emerged at the G7 summit that the two right-wing leaders had steadied a previously strained relationship following tensions this year over the war on Iran.

She also chided Trump for acting with far greater deference to the enemies of the West than he does towards old, established allies.

The dispute quickly escalated, with Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani cancelling a planned trip to the United States and condemning Trump’s comments as an insult to the country.

The world leaders met at the G7 summit in the French Alps this week and appeared to be cordial.