Giorgia Meloni Denies Trump’s Claims of Begging for Photo at G7 Summit

The relationship between former US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has returned to a state of tension following their recent interaction at the G7 summit in France, despite an initially cordial meeting.

Meloni accused Trump of fabricating stories about her, responding to his claim in an Italian television interview that she had begged him to take a photo with her during the summit.

In a video posted on her X account on Friday, the Italian Prime Minister expressed surprise at Trump’s comments, describing them as "completely fabricated." She further accused him of showing considerably more accommodation towards the West’s adversaries than he does towards traditional allies.

Meloni added, "Trump’s statements are entirely made up. I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same firmness towards the enemies of the West and the United States, whose leaders he treats with much greater leniency."

She also emphasized, "There is one thing he must remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg."

Following these remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States scheduled for Sunday and Monday, citing the controversial statements.

The dispute marks a significant deterioration in bilateral relations just days after positive signs emerged during the G7 summit, where both leaders appeared to ease previous tensions related to disagreements over the war in Iran.

Video footage from the event in France showed Meloni and Trump engaged in a deep conversation. However, Trump later suggested his interaction was merely a courtesy. When asked about the Italian Prime Minister by a reporter from the channel La7, he said, "Maybe she was happy because I talked to her... I didn’t have to talk to her."

Trump further claimed, "She begged me for a photo with her. She really wanted a photo with me. I didn’t want to, but I felt sorry for her."

Previously, Meloni was one of Trump’s most prominent supporters and was the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 2025. However, she later criticized him after he attacked Pope Leo XIV for condemning the war on Iran, which elicited a sharp response from Trump accusing her of lacking courage.