Singer Bill Madden calls Italian PM Meloni a 'heroine' for standing up to Trump

Singer-songwriter Bill Madden made clear whose side he was on in the diplomatic row between the United States and Italy, after President Donald Trump claimed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had "begged" to be photographed with him at the G-7 summit in France. "By taking ZERO shit from the most repulsive misogynist, bully, and pedophile on the planet — Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni just became a heroine around the world," Madden wrote on X.

The climate justice activist's post followed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's sharp rebuttal of President Trump's remarks. "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished," Meloni said in a video posted to X. "I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time this has happened," she added, characterizing the statement as "disappointing".

Trump made his remarks during a brief interview with Italian broadcaster La7. "She's probably happy I talked to her. I didn't have to talk to her," he was quoted as saying. "She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her," he added. Meloni said that Trump does not show the same resolve toward "enemies of the West", whose leaders he treats with considerably more indulgence. "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg," she concluded.

The dispute escalated further after Trump doubled down on Truth Social, reiterating that Meloni had repeatedly asked him for a photograph. "She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon," he contended.

President Trump also lamented about Meloni's refusal to grant the United States access to Italian airstrips, calling it a "great logistical inconvenience." "...and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other 'so-called' NATO Allies. Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!!" he said.

Meloni retorted by dismissing what she called "constant, unprovoked attacks" as senseless. "As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest," the 49-year-old countered, adding that the use of American bases in Italy was governed by agreements that Italy had respected and would continue to honour under her watch. "Italy remains a sovereign nation. In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours," she asserted.

The two right-wing leaders have a history of tense exchanges. Trump previously described Meloni as lacking courage, criticizing her refusal to back the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. Meloni backed Pope Leo XIV after Trump attacked him for condemning the war, Reuters reported. The dispute has since moved beyond social media, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceling his scheduled June 21 visit to Washington, saying Trump's words toward Meloni were serious, offensive, and an affront to all of Italy.