WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, repeating claims that she repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the Group of Seven summit in France and broadening his criticism to Italy's stance on recent U.S. military operations. Meloni rejected the allegations, calling them fabricated and describing Trump's remarks as "constant, unprovoked attacks," according to statements released by her office and posts on social media.
Trump reiterated on his Truth Social platform that Meloni had asked "over and over" for a picture with him during the G7 meeting. He also asserted that the Italian leader wanted to restore closer ties with him to improve her domestic standing. In the same statement, Trump criticized Italy's refusal to permit the use of Italian military facilities for U.S. operations connected to the recent conflict involving Iran, arguing that the decision complicated American logistics.
Meloni denied Trump's account, saying his description of events was "completely made up." In a public response, she said, "These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless," adding that Italy conducts its foreign policy independently and does not make decisions to satisfy foreign leaders. Italian officials also defended the government's position, noting that decisions regarding military cooperation are governed by Italy's constitutional and legal framework.
The dispute marked a further deterioration in relations between two leaders who had previously been viewed as political allies. The exchange followed meetings at the G7 summit in France, where leaders discussed international security, Ukraine and developments in the Middle East. Public disagreement between Trump and Meloni subsequently overshadowed broader diplomatic engagement between Washington and Rome.
Italy's Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, canceled a planned visit to the United States after describing Trump's remarks as offensive to Italy, according to Italian officials. Government and opposition figures in Italy also voiced support for Meloni's response, while no evidence has been publicly presented that independently verifies either side's account of the disputed photograph. Details surrounding the encounter remain unclear.
As of Saturday, neither the White House nor the Italian Prime Minister's Office had indicated that the dispute had been resolved. Both leaders continued to stand by their respective accounts, leaving the diplomatic disagreement publicly unresolved while officials in both countries continued broader bilateral engagement.
