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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rejected claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that she “begged” him for a photo during the recent G7 summit, calling the remarks “completely made up” and expressing disappointment over his treatment of long-standing Western allies.
The public dispute marks a significant downturn in U.S.-Italy relations, despite recent signs that the two conservative leaders had stabilized ties following disagreements over the Middle East conflict. Meloni’s response came after Trump told Italy’s La7 television channel that the Italian leader was eager to be photographed with him during the G7 gathering in France.
According to the interview, Trump claimed Meloni wanted a picture with him “so badly” and suggested he only agreed because he “felt sorry for her.” Video footage from the summit showed the two leaders engaged in a lengthy conversation while seated together, but Meloni dismissed Trump’s account as false.
In a sharply worded video statement, the Italian prime minister said she was astonished by the U.S. president’s comments and questioned why he repeatedly adopts such an attitude toward allies. She added that Trump appears far more accommodating toward adversaries of the West than toward nations that have traditionally supported the United States.
The diplomatic fallout was immediate. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the United States, prompting the cancellation of a U.S.-Italy business conference scheduled in Miami. The U.S. State Department did not comment on the development.
Trump continued his criticism in an interview with NBC News, suggesting Meloni had once been a supporter but had failed to back U.S. positions related to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. NATO allies, including Italy, have resisted calls to become involved in the conflict with Iran or assist in securing the strategic waterway.
Adding to the tension, Giovanbattista Fazzolari, one of Meloni’s closest advisers, accused Trump of damaging historic transatlantic ties and harming America’s standing across Europe. The exchange highlights growing strains between Washington and key European allies amid ongoing geopolitical disputes.
