On Saturday, Donald Trump intensified his clash with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by posting on Truth Social that she repeatedly requested a photo with him during the G7 summit held in Évian-les-Bains, France.
In his post, Trump linked Meloni's alleged request to her declining popularity in Italy, attributing it to Rome's refusal to support the U.S. military operation against Iran and denying the use of Italian airstrips for Washington's logistical operations.
"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni kept asking for a photo with me at the G7 meeting in France. Her popularity is struggling in Italy, possibly because she turned down the United States—a nation that genuinely loves and protects Italy—when it came to preventing Iran from acquiring or developing a nuclear weapon," Trump wrote.
He further noted that the U.S. "contributes hundreds of billions of dollars annually to protect Italy and other NATO allies," and he dismissed any chance of reconciliation: "Now, after the U.S. has militarily defeated Iran, she wants to cozy up to boost her 'numbers.' No, thanks!"
This message marks the second escalation in less than a day. On Friday, Trump had stated in a phone interview with the Italian channel La7 that Meloni had "begged" for the photo, adding that he agreed "out of pity": "She begged me to take a picture with her! She was desperate for a photo with me. I wouldn't have accepted, but I felt sorry!"
Meloni promptly responded with a video on social media, calling Trump's claims "completely fabricated" and expressing her "frank astonishment." She declared, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg," and questioned Trump's treatment of his allies: "I don't understand why the President of the United States behaves this way with his allies; it's not the first time."
The crisis prompted an institutional response in Italy. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his planned visit to Miami for June 21-22, labeling Trump's remarks as "serious and offensive" and stating they "offend all of Italy." President Sergio Mattarella personally called Meloni to offer his support.
This episode marks a significant low in what began as one of the strongest relationships between Trump and a European leader. Meloni was the only European head of government present at Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, but the relationship soured when Italy refused to join the war against Iran and denied the use of a Sicilian airbase for U.S. operations.
The G7 summit in Évian, held from June 15 to 17, seemed to ease tensions. Open microphones captured moments of apparent cordiality between the two leaders. However, Trump's subsequent statements abruptly reignited the crisis.
Back in April 2026, Trump had already criticized Meloni in an interview with Corriere della Sera, describing her as "unacceptable" and stating they hadn't spoken for some time: "She is the unacceptable one. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong."
Key Questions about Trump and Meloni's Escalating Dispute
Why did Donald Trump criticize Giorgia Meloni?
Trump criticized Meloni for allegedly asking multiple times for a photo with him during the G7 summit, linking her declining popularity in Italy to her refusal to support U.S. military actions against Iran.
How did Giorgia Meloni respond to Trump's allegations?
Meloni responded by posting a video on social media, calling Trump's claims "completely fabricated" and expressing her disbelief, stating that neither she nor Italy ever begs.
What actions did Italy take following Trump's comments?
In response to Trump's comments, Italy's Foreign Minister canceled a planned visit to Miami, and President Sergio Mattarella personally supported Meloni, describing Trump's words as offensive.