Trump vs Meloni: How a G7 photo triggered a bitter US-Italy war of words

A seemingly routine interaction at the G7 Summit has snowballed into a high-profile diplomatic dispute between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The row, which began with Trump’s remarks about a photo opportunity at the summit in France, has since escalated into a public exchange of sharp statements, drawing reactions from senior Italian leaders and putting fresh strain on US-Italy relations.

Trump’s ‘begged for a picture’ claim

The controversy started when Trump told Italian television channel La7 that Meloni had repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the G7 Summit.

“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump reportedly said.

When asked further about the Italian leader, Trump added, “She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.”

Speaking later to NBC News, the US President stood by his remarks. “That’s true,” he said when questioned about the claim. Trump also criticised Italy’s position on the Iran conflict, saying, “She wasn’t there for us. She was a big fan but I don’t want her as a fan because she was not there.”

He further accused Italy of failing to support the US over issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz and suggested Rome had not been helpful during the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Also Read | Trump on Strait of Hormuz: ‘There will be NO TOLLS’ unless US imposes them after 60 days

Meloni hits back

Meloni swiftly rejected Trump’s account, describing it as fabricated.

“I am frankly astonished. I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover,” she said in a video message on X.

“There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”

The Italian leader also expressed disappointment that Trump appeared tougher on allies than on what she described as adversaries of the West.

Italian leaders rally behind PM

The dispute quickly triggered a political reaction in Italy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned US visit, saying Trump’s comments had insulted the country.

“The grave and offensive words of President Trump… offend the whole of Italy,” Tajani wrote on X.

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio called the remarks a “painful injury” to bilateral ties, while Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said such comments “do not benefit anyone.”

Fresh accusations and a sharp response

Trump later revisited the issue on Truth Social, claiming Meloni repeatedly requested a photograph and suggesting her domestic popularity had declined because she had distanced herself from Washington.

Meloni responded by sharing a screenshot of Trump’s post on Instagram.

“President Trump, these constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless,” she wrote.

“As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you.”

Also Read | Donald Trump escalates feud with Giorgia Meloni over G7 photo allegation

She also defended Italy’s decision not to allow US bombers to use facilities in Sicily without parliamentary approval, stressing that military agreements must respect Italy’s sovereignty.

Meloni ended her statement with a pointed remark: “In any case, my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

From allies to critics

Meloni was once considered one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe and attended his presidential inauguration in January 2025. However, disagreements over the Iran conflict and broader US-Europe tensions have widened the gap between the two leaders.

The latest exchange has transformed what began as a dispute over a photograph into one of the most closely watched diplomatic clashes between Washington and Rome in recent months.