Meloni Responds to Trump’s Allegation
Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed astonishment after President Donald Trump claimed in an interview with Italian television that she had "begged" him for a photograph. This statement has triggered an open dispute between the two leaders.
Meloni categorically rejected Trump's comments as entirely "made-up." In response to the escalating tensions, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has cancelled a planned trip to the United States scheduled for early next week.
This public exchange highlights the deterioration of what was once a close relationship between the two leaders, particularly following Trump's decision to engage in conflict with Iran.
G7 Summit Interaction and Subsequent Interview
During the G7 summit held in Evian-les-Bains, eastern France, Trump and Meloni were observed engaged in close conversation. Meloni later told reporters that their relationship remained unchanged and that there had been "no recriminations."
However, Trump later gave a phone interview to Italy's La7 TV channel, where he stated:
"She begged me to take a photo with her; I felt sorry for her."
The two leaders were filmed multiple times at the summit, including moments where they appeared deeply engaged in conversation on a small sofa, with Meloni smiling throughout.
Trump added,
"She's probably happy I spoke to her."La7 provided an Italian voiceover of Trump's remarks but did not broadcast the original English statements.
Meloni’s Reaction and Criticism of Trump
Meloni responded with disbelief, addressing her seven million Instagram followers:
"I don't know why the US president behaves this way towards allies,"
She noted this was not the first instance of such behavior and expressed regret that Trump did not demonstrate the same determination against the West's enemies as he did towards allies.
"But there is one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."
The BBC has sought comment from the White House regarding the incident.
Background of the Relationship and Political Context
Meloni's shock follows a series of incidents that have strained what was initially a close political alliance. Elected in 2022, Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in January 2025 and was viewed by many EU colleagues as a potential intermediary with the US president.
Despite this, Meloni has openly opposed the US war with Iran. In April, Trump criticized her in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, stating,
"I thought she had courage, but I was wrong."
Trump also made disparaging remarks about Pope Leo XIV, accusing him of being "weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy," comments Meloni deemed unacceptable.
Political Support for Meloni in Italy
Following Trump's latest interview, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella immediately contacted Meloni to offer support. Politicians from across the political spectrum in Italy also defended her.
Filippo Sensi, a senator from the opposition Democratic Party, stated:
"No-one had the right to speak to an Italian prime minister in such an arrogant tone."
Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, added:
"Italy did not deserve such humiliation. Chasing favours with Washington should never come at the expense of national dignity and interest."
From Meloni's own Brothers of Italy party, Senate group leader Lucio Malan observed that Trump's remarks were part of a broader pattern of offensive comments directed at various European leaders. He noted these comments ultimately harmed Trump's own image and authority.
Malan suggested that the video from the G7 summit depicted a dynamic contrary to Trump's description and implied that Trump's irritation may stem from Meloni's willingness to oppose Washington when necessary.
Government ally Matteo Salvini from the League succinctly stated:
"Whoever attacks Giorgia, attacks all of us."
