Donald Trump has launched a furious attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reigniting a dispute over a photograph taken during the G7 summit. The US President took to Truth Social to reiterate claims that Meloni had pleaded for a picture with him, allegations she has dismissed as completely untrue.
Trump's Truth Social Rant
In his latest outburst, Trump accused Meloni of performing poorly in Italy and expressed anger that she refused to support the United States in its military conflict with Iran. He wrote: "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France."
He continued: "She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!)."
Trump also criticized Meloni for not allowing US forces to use Italian landing strips or runways, calling it "a great logistical inconvenience." He added: "Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!!"
Meloni's Firm Denial
Meloni responded earlier this week with a video statement, calling Trump's reported words "completely fabricated." She expressed shock that the US President would lie about an ally, stating: "Italy and I do not beg."
The dispute originated from a phone interview Trump gave to Italian network La7, where he allegedly claimed Meloni had begged for a photo during the G7 in Evian-les-Bains, France. The broadcaster did not present Trump's original English words but provided an Italian voiceover.
Meloni hit back: "Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned. I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies. After all, this isn’t the first time this has happened."
She added: "I can only say that it’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West, toward the enemies of the United States - toward leaders with whom he, on the other hand, is much more accommodating. But there’s one thing he must remember: Italy and I do not beg."
