Tensions Rise Between Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni quickly responded to former President Donald Trump’s claim that she had begged him for a photo at the recent Group of Seven summit. Meloni firmly stated, “I and Italy never beg,” dismissing Trump’s remarks as “totally fabricated.”

The dispute began when Trump told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had pleaded for a photograph at the gathering of industrialized nations in Evian-les-Bains, France. Trump commented, “She wanted a photo with me so badly; I could have skipped it, but I felt sorry for her.” His remarks were featured in a brief interview that La7 posted on its website.

Meloni expressed surprise at Trump’s statements and criticized his approach to international relations. She questioned why the U.S. president would treat allies with less respect than adversaries, referencing a previous interview Trump gave in April to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. In that interview, Trump criticized Meloni for not supporting the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, a comment to which Meloni did not respond publicly at the time.

“I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way with his own allies,” Meloni remarked. “It’s not, after all, the first time this has happened.”

The recent clash intensified as Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani labeled Trump’s comments as “serious” and “offensive” to Italy, deciding to cancel a planned trip to the U.S. next week.

Footage from the G7 showed Meloni and Trump in a private conversation on a small sofa. Trump described the interaction as something he permitted rather than sought out. He stated, “She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.” The Italian broadcaster released only a dubbed version of the interview, withholding the original audio.

Despite their current tension, Meloni once shared close political ties with Trump. She attended his 2025 inauguration, being the sole European leader present. Trump had previously praised Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party aligns with the rise of nationalist and populist movements across Europe. During a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Trump referred to her as a “fantastic woman.”

The relationship between the two leaders has deteriorated further this year. Meloni criticized Trump following his attack on Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff’s opposition to the Iran conflict. Trump retaliated by accusing Meloni of lacking courage, straining a partnership that was once viewed as strong.