A sharp diplomatic dispute erupted between the United States and Italy after President Donald Trump said in an interview with an Italian television channel that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had “begged” him for a photo. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump claimed, “She really wanted a picture with me. I wouldn’t have taken one with her, but I felt sorry for her.” His comments triggered angry reactions in Italy and deepened tensions between the two countries.
Meloni rejected Trump’s remarks as “completely made up.” She said she was “stunned” by the comments and did not understand “why the president of the United States behaves like this toward his allies.” She added that Trump seemed more considerate toward Western enemies than toward friendly countries, and said, “There is one thing he should remember, both I and Italy never beg.”
The confrontation comes after months of worsening relations between Trump and Meloni, who had previously been seen as one of his closest European allies. The two also held a clarifying meeting this week on the sidelines of the G7 in France, but Trump’s latest remarks reignited the diplomatic crisis.
In response, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned official visit to Washington, scheduled for next week, effective immediately. Tajani said the move was a formal protest, writing that Trump’s “serious and offensive” remarks about the prime minister were hurting all of Italy.
