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Fez– A public dispute has erupted between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump after the American leader claimed she had “begged” him to take a picture with her during the G7 summit in France.
Meloni dismissed the allegation as completely false, saying she was “frankly stunned” by Trump’s comments and accusing him of inventing the story.
The row marks the latest sign of deteriorating relations between two leaders who were once considered close political allies.
It also reflects growing tensions since Trump’s decision earlier this year to launch military action against Iran, a move openly criticized by the Italian prime minister.
Trump made the remarks during a phone interview with Italian television channel La7.
According to the broadcaster’s Italian translation, the US president said: “She begged me to take a photo with her; I felt sorry for her.”
The two leaders had met earlier this week at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, where they were seen speaking privately on several occasions.
After the meeting, Meloni told reporters that relations remained positive and that there had been “no recriminations.”
But Trump’s latest comments triggered a sharp reaction from Rome.
In a video posted on Instagram, Meloni said she did not understand why the US president behaved this way toward allied countries.
“ I can only say it is regrettable he does not show the same determination towards the enemies of the West and the enemies of the United States,” she said.
She ended her remarks with a direct response to Trump’s claim: “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
The White House has not publicly responded to Meloni’s criticism.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani later cancelled a planned trip to the United States, while politicians from across Italy’s political spectrum rallied behind the prime minister.
Opposition senator Filippo Sensi said no one had the right to speak to an Italian prime minister in such an arrogant manner.
Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte also defended Meloni, arguing that relations with Washington should never come at the expense of Italy’s dignity or national interests.
Members of Meloni’s own Brothers of Italy party described Trump’s remarks as offensive and damaging mainly to his own reputation.
Some suggested the US president may have been frustrated by Meloni’s willingness to oppose Washington on key issues.
The disagreement is a striking turn in a relationship that once appeared strong.
Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration in January 2025 and had often been viewed as a bridge between Europe and the White House.
However, tensions have steadily increased in recent months, particularly over the conflict with Iran and other foreign policy disagreements.
The latest exchange now raises fresh questions about the future of one of the West’s most closely watched political partnerships.
