U.S. President Donald Trump publicly attacked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she repeatedly asked to be photographed with him at the G7 summit in France in order to boost her poll standing. He also accused her of opposing the American line on Iran and of refusing to allow the use of Italian runways and airports, which he said caused logistical difficulties.
Meloni responded sharply, rejecting Trump's claims outright. “Donald Trump’s statements are complete fiction. Honestly, I am shocked. I do not know why the President of the United States is behaving this way toward his allies,” she said.
The exchange marks a diplomatic dispute between the two leaders, centered on Trump’s accusations over optics, policy alignment on Iran, and practical military or aviation access in Italy. The article does not say what follow-up steps, if any, are planned.