Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that she “begged” him for a photograph during this week’s G7 Summit, calling the remarks “completely fabricated” and expressing astonishment at his comments.
The dispute erupted after Trump told Italian television channel La7 that Meloni had desperately wanted a picture with him during the G7 gathering in Évian, France. According to reports, Trump said he agreed to the photograph because he “felt sorry” for her.
Responding publicly on Friday, Meloni dismissed the account as entirely false. The Italian leader said Trump’s statements were “completely made up” and criticized what she described as his treatment of long-standing allies. She added that she was surprised by the remarks and stressed that “Italy and I never beg.”
Diplomatic Backlash In Italy
Trump’s comments triggered a sharp reaction across Italy’s political establishment. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of a planned visit to the United States, describing the remarks as offensive to both Meloni and Italy.
Several senior Italian officials and political figures also condemned the comments, with government representatives warning that such statements risk damaging relations between the United States and its European allies.
Growing Tensions Between Former Allies
The latest exchange highlights growing strains between Trump and Meloni, who were previously regarded as close political allies. Relations have deteriorated in recent months amid disagreements over the Iran conflict and other foreign policy issues.
The public dispute comes just days after the two leaders met at the G7 Summit, where observers had suggested tensions between them might be easing. Instead, Friday’s exchange has opened a fresh diplomatic rift between Washington and Rome.
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