Giorgia Meloni says Trump ‘made up’ story that she ‘begged’ him for a photo at G7
The Italian PM, Meloni, has strongly rebutted remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump over the comments she made making a request of the U.S. leader for a picture this week during the G7 summit.
The disagreements soon turned into a public battle between the two leaders, and tensions have arisen in the once close relationship.
Meloni, who blustered that she was “flabbergasted” by Trump’s statement, said the president’s description was “made-up.”
Trump’s Comments are the source of controversy.
The tension escalated when Trump agreed to speak with Italy’s private television channel La7, which has reported on the summit, after the G7 in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, France.
In the interview, Trump alleged: “She begged me to take a picture with her, I felt sorry for her.”
He added, referring to Meloni, “She’s probably happy I spoke to her.”
The comments occurred even after the two leaders were seen together several times during the summit, even during what seemed like a friendly exchange of confidences on a small sofa.
Meloni told reporters earlier this week there had been “no recrimination” between the two leaders and that their relationship was unchanged.
Meloni admits Story is ‘entirely made-up’.
This was Meloni’s public reply and was posted on a short video message to her seven million followers on Instagram.
The Italian PM dismissed Trump’s explanation, noting she didn’t know how he would make such comments about an ally.
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“I don’t know why the US president behaves this way towards allies,” she added, adding that it wasn’t the first time she had seen such an incident.
Meloni also decried Trump’s stance towards the opposition of America.
I can only say that it is unfortunate he doesn’t show the same resolve towards the enemies of the West and towards the enemies of the US – the ones whose leaders he seems to be much more soft-spotted.
Tapping out the response, she ended with a direct message for Trump.
“But there is one thing he needs to remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Diplomatic Fallout Emerges
There have already been diplomatic ramifications to the disagreement.
The Italian foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, canceled an early next week visit to the United States.
Once-Close Relationship Under Strain
The latest exchange is just the latest sign of tension between Trump and Meloni.
Meloni has been regarded as one of Trump’s closest European allies when she assumed the role of leader in 2022. She is also the first European head of state to travel to Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
She was viewed by several European politicians as an individual with whom the White House could maintain good communications with the EU.
But the relations have been somewhat strained in recent months.
A stance that got Meloni in trouble with Washington, she has publicly condemned the U.S. war with Iran.
Italians frequently find themselves the targets of Trump’s ire, as he said in his April interview with Corriere della Sera.
“I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” Trump said back then.
Meloni also took Trump to task for calling Pope Leo XIV “weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy,” saying such remarks are unacceptable.
In Italy, political leaders swiftly rallied around Meloni.
She has since been reportedly called by Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella, who has offered his support.
“Whoever attacks Giorgia, attacks all of us”, said Government ally Matteo Salvini in a short show, reacting to anyone who attacks Giorgia.
The public brawl is one of the most severe rowovers between the busiest conservative leaders in Europe, and Trump so far.
