On Friday, Donald Trump ignited a diplomatic controversy with Italy by claiming in a phone interview with the Italian TV channel La7 that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had "begged" him to take a photo with her during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. Trump stated that he agreed to the photo only "out of pity."
These remarks, reported by El País and other international outlets, were broadcasted by La7 with Italian dubbing, omitting the original English audio.
Trump's Controversial Comments
According to the Italian transcript shared by the Efe agency, Trump remarked about his meeting with Meloni at the G7:
"I'm sure she's happy I spoke to her! I didn't have to! She begged me to take a picture with her! She was very eager for a photo with me. I wouldn't have accepted, but I felt sorry for her!"
He further mentioned, "She's probably glad I spoke to her. I didn't have to do it."
Meloni's Firm Rebuttal
Prime Minister Meloni's response was swift and decisive.
In a video shared on her social media, she expressed being "truly astonished" and flatly rejected Trump's version of events.
"Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated; I'm genuinely shocked," she declared before delivering the phrase that symbolized her response.
Meloni criticized Trump's treatment of allies compared to adversaries: "I don't understand why the President of the United States acts this way with allies; it's not the first time."
She added, "It's disappointing that he doesn't show the same resolve with the enemies of the West and the U.S., whose leaders he treats more leniently." This was possibly a veiled reference to someone like Putin.
She concluded, "There's something he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."
Her words came days after open microphones at the G7 summit revealed informal conversations among leaders, including a moment where Meloni seemed to wait to speak with Trump.
Immediate Diplomatic Fallout
The incident had swift and tangible repercussions.
Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, canceled his planned visit to Miami on June 21-22, citing Trump's "serious and offensive remarks" as an affront to all of Italy.
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, personally called Meloni to offer his support.
The Italian political response was unified.
Maurizio Lupi (Noi Moderati) was blunt: "Trump's words are unjustified and unacceptable. Anyone who knows Giorgia Meloni knows she would never beg anyone."
Matteo Salvini (League) summed up the sentiment with: "Whoever attacks Giorgia attacks all of us."
From the opposition, Democratic Party Senator Filippo Sensi stated: "No one has the right to address an Italian prime minister in such an arrogant tone."
Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte remarked, "Italy doesn't deserve to be humiliated so blatantly."
Carlo Candela (Azione) labeled Trump as a "compulsive liar" and "comic book bully."
The Waning of a Once Strong Alliance
This episode marks the nadir of a relationship that started as one of Trump's strongest ties with a European leader.
Meloni was the sole European leader at Trump's inauguration in January 2025.
The rift widened when Italy refused to join the U.S. in its war against Iran and denied the use of an airbase in Sicily.
By April 2026, Trump had already criticized Meloni in an interview with Corriere della Sera: "She is unacceptable. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong."
The G7 summit in Évian seemed to have eased tensions, as Meloni stated that her relationship with Trump had not changed and there were no "recriminations."
However, the interview with La7 abruptly reignited tensions, leading to the most significant bilateral diplomatic crisis between Italy and the United States since the start of Trump's second term.
FAQs on the US-Italy Diplomatic Dispute
What triggered the diplomatic spat between Trump and Meloni?
The dispute was sparked by Trump's claim that Meloni "begged" him for a photo during the G7 summit, which she categorically denied, calling his statements fabricated.
How did the Italian government respond to Trump's comments?
The Italian government reacted strongly, with Foreign Minister Tajani canceling a visit to Miami and President Mattarella offering support to Meloni. Italian political figures from various parties condemned Trump's remarks.
What impact did the incident have on US-Italy relations?
The incident exacerbated tensions, marking the lowest point in US-Italy relations during Trump's second term, despite previous attempts to mend ties at the G7 summit.