A public dispute has erupted between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph during the recent G7 Summit in France.
According to reports, Trump made the remark during an interview with an Italian television channel. Referring to his interaction with Meloni at the summit, Trump reportedly said that she wanted a picture with him “so badly” and that he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her.”
Meloni responded sharply, calling the claim “completely made up” and saying she was “astonished” by the comments. In a video statement, she rejected Trump’s account and questioned why the U.S. president would speak that way about a long-standing ally. She added that Trump often appears harsher toward allies than toward countries considered adversaries of the West.
One of Meloni’s strongest remarks was:
“Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
The statement quickly became a rallying point among Italian officials and political leaders.
The controversy has already had diplomatic consequences. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the United States, describing Trump’s remarks as “serious and offensive” not only to Meloni but to Italy as a whole. Several senior Italian officials also defended the prime minister and criticized Trump’s comments.
The dispute marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two leaders, who were once viewed as close political allies. Tensions had already surfaced in recent months over issues including the Iran conflict, NATO, and disagreements involving Pope Leo XIV. Although the two appeared to have repaired relations during the recent G7 Summit, the latest exchange has reopened those divisions.
