Meloni 'astonished' after Trump claims she 'begged' for picture
What's the story
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denied United States President Donald Trump's claim that she "begged" him for a photograph at the recent G7 Summit. In an interview with Italian television channel La7, Trump said Meloni was "probably happy" he spoke to her during the summit. He also claimed she begged him for a picture, saying, "She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her."
Rebuttal
Meloni slams Trump
Meloni has strongly rejected Trump's account as "completely made up." She expressed astonishment at his behavior toward allies and criticized him for being lenient with adversaries of the West. "Donald Trump's statements are completely made up. I'm frankly astonished. I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and...United States," she said. "There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg," she said staunchly.
Summit dynamics
Footage shows Meloni-Trump having cordial conversation
Video footage from the G7 summit shows Meloni and Trump having a cordial conversation. However, Trump implied he only indulged her by talking with her. Another video showed Meloni giving Trump a death stare after he complained about having "the lowest chair in the room" during the 2026 G7 Summit in France.
Diplomatic rift
Relationship soured over Trump's comments on Pope Leo's Iran war
Meloni was once one of Trump's staunchest supporters in Europe, even attending his 2025 inauguration as the only European leader present. However, their relationship has since soured after Meloni criticized Trump's attack on Pope Leo over the pontiff's condemnation of the Iran conflict. After the war started, Meloni distanced herself from Trump's stance, leading to accusations of cowardice from the US president.