Trump's Wild Claims: Italian PM Allegedly 'Begged' for Photo, Meloni Fires Back

Donald Trump asserts that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit, despite her outright denial of his claims. This confrontation escalates as Meloni publicly rebukes Trump's narrative.

Trump took to his Truth Social platform, stating, "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France." He didn't stop there; he criticized her for not backing him against Iran.

He slammed Meloni's popularity in Italy, suggesting her refusal to align with the U.S. on Iran's nuclear ambitions is hurting her standing. "She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity," Trump declared, pointing fingers at her decisions regarding U.S. military support.

Trump continued his tirade, claiming, "She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways," emphasizing the logistical challenges this posed. He highlighted the financial commitment of the U.S. to Italy's defense, stating, "the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy." He accused Meloni of wanting to rekindle relations only after the U.S. had "defeated Iran militarily."

In an interview with an Italian news outlet, Trump reiterated his claim that Meloni "begged" for a photo. "She wanted a picture with me so badly," he said, adding that he felt pity for her situation.

Meloni responded swiftly after hearing Trump's comments, expressing her astonishment and labeling his account as "completely made up." She condemned Trump's behavior towards allies, contrasting it with his treatment of adversaries.

"Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. I am frankly astonished," Meloni stated. She criticized him for showing more respect to Western adversaries than to allies like Italy.

Meloni firmly asserted, "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg." Her statement reflects a strong rejection of Trump's narrative.

Video footage from the summit shows both leaders engaged in conversation, confirming they interacted. Following Meloni's rebuttal, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his upcoming trip to the U.S.

Tajani took to X to express his discontent with Trump's remarks, calling them "deeply offensive to Italy." He stated, "The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy," leading to his decision to cancel his visit scheduled for June 21 and 22.

A member of Meloni's administration also criticized Trump, questioning whether his comments stemmed from intent or ineptitude. Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari remarked that Trump's outbursts have damaged U.S.-European relations.

Before this incident, Meloni and Trump were seen as political allies, with her being the only European leader at his 2025 inauguration. However, their relationship soured after Trump criticized Pope Leo.

Meloni responded to Trump's attacks on the Pope by stating, "The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church... it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war," labeling Trump's remarks as "unacceptable."