EVIAN — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly rebuked US President Donald Trump over remarks he made in a Saturday interview, prompting the cancellation of a ministerial trip to the United States.

Trump stated in the interview that Meloni was "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity." He also accused her of not supporting US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining or developing a nuclear weapon and claimed she caused "a great logistical inconvenience" by barring the US from using Italian air facilities for American military operations.

Meloni posted a statement on Instagram describing Trump's actions as "constant, unprovoked attacks" and "senseless." She responded to his comments on her popularity, stating, "As for my popularity, being your friend has certainly not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you." Meloni added, "My popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours."

Regarding previous claims made by Trump in a phone interview with Italy's La7 TV channel that she "begged" for a photo, Meloni stated in an Instagram video, "But there is one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg." She also said, "I don't know why the US president behaves this way towards allies."

Meloni and Trump spoke on Wednesday at the G7 summit in Evian, France, where they were pictured in close conversation. At that time, Meloni told reporters her relationship with Trump was unchanged and there had been "no recriminations." Regarding the use of Italian bases, she stated their use "is governed by agreements that we have always respected, and that cannot be violated as long as I am prime minister."