Italy's Prime Minister Meloni Slams Trump for Fabricated Photo Claims
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ripped into Donald Trump, declaring his claims that she “begged” for a photo at the G7 summit as pure fabrication. This shocking accusation comes after Trump’s comments aired on an Italian TV channel, where he suggested Meloni was desperate for a picture with him.
Meloni expressed her astonishment at Trump's remarks, labeling them as “completely made up.” She criticized him for showing more respect to adversaries of the West than to established allies like Italy.
This public spat signals a significant downturn in their relationship, especially after recent signs of reconciliation at the G7 summit, where both leaders appeared to have smoothed over previous tensions related to the Middle East conflict.
The fallout from Trump's comments has been swift. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his upcoming visit to the U.S., and a scheduled U.S.-Italy business conference in Miami was also scrapped. The Italian embassy confirmed the cancellation.
The U.S. State Department remained silent when questioned about Tajani’s canceled trip.
Footage from the G7 event showed Meloni and Trump engaged in conversation, seated closely on a small sofa. However, Trump downplayed their interaction, suggesting he was merely indulging her.
“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 stated, according to La7 TV’s translation.
A European diplomatic source revealed that Meloni was one of the most vocal critics of Trump at the G7, directly challenging him on multiple issues. She defended Europe’s position, urging Trump to stop claiming abandonment by Western allies, emphasizing their support.
Meloni wasted no time responding to Trump’s comments. In a social media video, she stated, “Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished. I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover.”
She further expressed disappointment that Trump does not confront enemies of the West with the same vigor, adding, “There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
In a follow-up interview with NBC News, Trump continued his tirade against Meloni. “She was a big fan,” he remarked, but dismissed her support due to her absence during NATO discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO allies, including Italy, frustrated Trump by refusing to engage in military action against Iran or assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a close political ally of Meloni who typically avoids media attention, launched a scathing attack on Trump. He questioned whether Trump's actions stemmed from intent or incompetence, stating that he is damaging historic U.S.-European relations.
Fazzolari claimed Trump’s inappropriate remarks have made the United States unpopular across Europe, harming both Europe and the U.S. itself.
Once a staunch supporter of Trump, Meloni was the only European leader present at his inauguration in 2025. However, she has since criticized him for his attacks on Pope Leo regarding the Iran conflict, which led to a sharp rebuke from Trump accusing her of lacking courage.
