Conflict with Trump benefits Meloni's rating

Attacks by U.S. President Donald Trump on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni contributed to a 2 percentage point rise in her popularity rating.

The Adnkronos agency reported this, citing data from the Demopolis institute, which conducts public opinion studies and surveys.

Meloni's support level over the past 48 hours rose from 38%, recorded in May, to 40%. Meanwhile, Trump's popularity rating among Italians, according to Demopolis calculations, has plummeted from 42% to 11% over his 18 months in the White House.

At the same time, the agency notes that Trump's criticism of Italy reversed the downward trend in the Italian prime minister's rating. It was driven by rising prices due to the increase in energy costs amid the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz.

Last week, Trump and Meloni exchanged sharp remarks. In particular, the American leader accused the prime minister of ingratitude and attempts to boost her rating through a joint photo at the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Meloni, in response, advised Trump to think about his own popularity. At the same time, Meloni noted that friendship with Trump did not contribute to her popularity.

The current clash marks a new round in the conflict between the two leaders. Previously, the Italian prime minister publicly defended Pope Leo XIV, calling the American leader's statements about him unacceptable. Trump accuses Italy, like other European partners, of unwillingness to support the U.S. military operation against Iran and to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: TASS