Italy PM Meloni Rejects Trump Photo Claim
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that she had “begged” him for a photo at the G7 summit in France, calling the account completely fabricated. The remarks have triggered a fresh diplomatic row between Rome and Washington, deepening strains between two leaders once seen as politically aligned.
Meloni Rejects Trump Photo Claim
Meloni said Trump’s version of events was “totally invented” after he reportedly told Italian television that she had asked him repeatedly for a photograph during the G7 summit.
The Italian leader said she was astonished by the comments and rejected the suggestion that she or Italy had sought any such favour. She added that Italy does not “beg,” framing her response as a defence of national dignity.
Italy-US Diplomatic Tensions
The controversy has caused anger across Italy’s political spectrum. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the United States in protest, saying the remarks were offensive not only to Meloni but to Italy as a whole.
Senior Italian officials also criticised Trump’s comments, warning that such remarks could damage the historic relationship between the United States and Europe. The episode has added pressure to an already strained phase in transatlantic ties.
Trump-Meloni Relations Strained
Meloni and Trump had earlier shared a warm political relationship, with the Italian Prime Minister seen as one of Trump’s closer allies in Europe. However, relations have cooled in recent months over differences on Iran, the West’s strategic posture and Trump’s earlier criticism involving Pope Leo.
The latest exchange has now pushed those tensions into public view. While both countries remain close NATO allies, the dispute highlights growing friction between Washington and European partners over diplomacy, leadership style and alliance management.
