Donald Trump has lashed out at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she accused him of fabricating a story about her. The feud began when Trump told an Italian broadcaster that Meloni "begged him to take a picture with her," sparking a public row with an American ally. Trump insisted: "She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn't have taken it, but I felt sorry for her."
Meloni's Response
A furious Meloni hit back, saying she was "astonished" and adding: "I don't know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies." In a video statement, Meloni said she was responding because "certain things deserve an immediate response." She also referenced Trump's previous criticism of her refusal to back the US-Israel war in Iran, noting: "It's a shame he doesn't show the same resolve toward the enemies of the West." Meloni firmly stated: "Italy and I do not beg."
Trump's Truth Social Post
In typical fashion, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to round on Meloni. He claimed: "Italian Prime Minister Gigiorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France." Trump alleged Meloni is "doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States" over denying Iran a nuclear weapon. He also accused her of not allowing US use of Italian landing strips, despite US contributions to NATO. Trump concluded: "Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again... No thanks!!!"
Fallout and Reactions
The Italian government condemned Trump's comments. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly canceled a planned trip to the US, calling Trump's claims "serious and offensive" toward Meloni and all of Italy. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto rebuked Trump, saying he did not believe Meloni would ever beg for a photo, "not even under threat." Crosetto added: "Jokes of this kind do no good to anyone: neither to the USA, nor to Italy, nor to the alliance."
Background of Strained Relations
Meloni initially sought to build on strong US-Italian ties when Trump began his second mandate, positioning herself as a "bridge" between Washington and the EU. She was the lone EU head of state to attend his inauguration. However, relations have frayed over the US war in Iran, which Meloni deemed illegal, and Trump's position on Ukraine, which Italy strongly supports. Trump's tariffs and strong US support for Israel over Gaza have also been points of contention.
