Donald Trump claimed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photo at the G7 Summit, but Meloni strongly denied the allegation, calling the remarks completely fabricated.
ROME — A public dispute has erupted between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Trump claimed that the Italian leader “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 Summit, prompting a sharp and highly public response from Meloni.
Speaking in an interview with Italian television channel La7, Trump claimed Meloni was eager to take a photo with him during the summit and suggested he agreed only out of sympathy.
“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump said.
Meloni swiftly rejected the allegation, calling the president’s remarks entirely false.
“Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. Frankly, I was horrified,” Meloni said in a statement.
She further criticized Trump’s approach toward long-standing U.S. allies, adding:
“Neither I nor Italy will ever beg.”
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The exchange has intensified tensions between Washington and Rome, with Italian officials rallying behind Meloni.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced he was canceling a planned visit to the United States, describing Trump’s comments as offensive not only to the prime minister but to Italy as a whole. Senior officials within Meloni’s government also condemned the remarks, warning they risk damaging long-standing relations between the United States and Europe.
From Allies to Public Disagreement
The dispute is particularly notable because Meloni was previously regarded as one of Trump’s closest political allies in Europe. She attended his 2025 inauguration and had often been viewed as a leader with strong ties to the U.S. president.
However, relations between the two have deteriorated in recent months over disagreements surrounding the conflict involving Iran and Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo. Although the two leaders appeared to engage positively during the recent G7 Summit in France, Trump’s latest comments have reignited diplomatic friction.
International Attention
The exchange has drawn significant international attention, highlighting growing strains between two leaders who were once considered close political partners. Analysts say the public disagreement could further complicate U.S.-Italy relations at a time when both countries are coordinating on major international security and economic issues.
Neither the White House nor Trump’s team has issued additional clarification following Meloni’s response.
