ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that she had “begged” him for a photograph during the Group of Seven summit in France, calling the account “completely made up” and opening a fresh dispute between two leaders who had previously maintained close political ties.
The disagreement stemmed from comments Trump made in an interview with Italian television channel La7 following the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains earlier this week. According to transcripts and reports of the interview, Trump said Meloni had sought a photograph with him and suggested he agreed because he “felt sorry” for her.
In a video statement posted on social media, Meloni denied the allegation and said she was “frankly astonished” by the remarks. “Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated,” she said, adding: “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Meloni also questioned why the U.S. president would treat allied nations in such a manner, according to her public comments. The dispute marked a sharp change in tone from earlier in the week, when the two leaders appeared to exchange friendly remarks on the sidelines of the G7 gathering.
The row prompted a broader response from Italian officials. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the United States, describing Trump’s comments as offensive to both Meloni and Italy, according to statements reported by Italian and international media. The cancellation also led to the postponement of a business conference that had been scheduled to take place in Miami.
Political figures across Italy’s governing coalition and opposition criticized Trump’s remarks, while senior government officials defended Meloni’s handling of relations with Washington. Reports said the disagreement comes after recent tensions between the two leaders over international issues, including policy differences related to the Middle East and other diplomatic matters.
Video footage from the G7 summit showed Trump and Meloni speaking after a leaders’ group photograph, though details of their private exchange remain unclear.
As of Friday, neither the White House nor Trump had issued a formal retraction. Italian officials continued to demand respect for the country and its leadership, while the diplomatic dispute remained unresolved.
