Trump Attacks Meloni: “She Begged for a Photo”

Donald Trump has publicly claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photograph during an interview with Italian television, sparking a sharp diplomatic rebuke from Rome.

Trump’s Claims and the Italian Response

In an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, Donald Trump stated that he did not need to speak with Prime Minister Meloni, alleging that she begged for a photo with him. Trump claimed he only complied because he felt sorry for her, despite stating he otherwise would not have taken the picture.

The remarks triggered immediate outrage in Italy. Prime Minister Meloni rejected the claims, labeling them as completely fabricated. She expressed surprise at the comments, asserting that neither she nor Italy begs for anything.

Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout

In a subsequent video, Meloni questioned why the U.S. president would behave this way toward an ally, noting this is not the first instance of such behavior. She added that it is unfortunate that Trump does not show similar determination toward the enemies of the West.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the words as serious and offensive to Italy. In response, he announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States on June 21 and 22.

G7 Summit and Historical Friction

During the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, Trump and Meloni held a conversation intended to resolve previous misunderstandings. While video footage shows the two seated together on a sofa, the American president later implied he only spoke to her as a favor.

Recent months have seen strained relations between the two. Trump previously criticized Meloni in April for a lack of support in the conflict with Iran, stating he was shocked and had mistakenly believed she possessed courage. Meloni, conversely, dismissed Trump’s earlier criticism regarding Pope Leo XIV as unacceptable.