Donald Trump is embroiled in a new war of words with a major European Union leader after claiming Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni 'begged' him for a photo at the recent G7 summit. The US president said he felt sorry for her and agreed to the picture, sparking a fierce backlash from Italian officials.
Trump's Alleged Remarks
According to reports, Mr Trump made the comments in a phone interview with Italy's La7 network. He stated that Ms Meloni 'begged' him for a photo, and although he wasn't obliged, he felt sorry for her and agreed. The Italian government quickly responded, with Ms Meloni posting a video calling the claims 'completely fabricated' and expressing shock that he would lie about an ally.
In her video, Ms Meloni said she was responding because 'certain things deserve an immediate response'. She said she was 'frankly stunned' and did not know why the US President would behave that way. '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 - towards 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,' Ms Meloni said.
US Confirmation
While Mr Trump's remarks were made in an interview broadcast on Friday on Italy's La7 channel, he confirmed the begging claim was 'true' in a phone call with American channel NBC News. 'She wasn't there for us. She was a big fan but I don't want her as a fan because she was not there - along with the NATO group - having to do with the Strait of Hormuz,' he said. Mr Trump has repeatedly accused NATO allies of failing to support American forces after the war began.
Italian Backlash
In the wake of the US president's comments, Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani abruptly cancelled a planned trip to the US. Mr Tajani wrote on X: 'The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June.'
By Friday afternoon, solidarity for Ms Meloni poured in from the Italian government and across the political spectrum, including a call from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy's Head of State. Transport minister Matteo Salvini posted: 'Whoever attacks Giorgia Meloni attacks all of us.'
Carlo Nordio, the justice minister, invoked the memory of American soldiers who died in Italy during World War 2, claiming their ultimate sacrifice 'did not deserve such a painful blow to our fraternal ties.' Giovanbattista Fazzolari, one of Ms Meloni's closest political allies and undersecretary to the prime minister's office, issued a rare public broadside, saying, 'It is unclear whether out of intent or ineptitude, Trump is wrecking the historic relations between the United States and Europe.'
Opposition Support
Even opposition politicians crossed the floor to side with Meloni. Former prime minister Matteo Renzi, a centre-left figure, called Trump's statements 'horrifying, as always' — adding a pointed jab that Meloni had 'finally' noticed. In a post on X, Mr Renzi called on Ms Meloni to abandon her ties with Mr Trump, claiming 'the global right has failed'.
Changing Dynamics
The war of words marks a striking reversal for a European leader who had staked much of her international standing on her relationship with Mr Trump. When Ms Meloni took office in 2022, she and Mr Trump found immediate common ground. Both ran on nationalist, right-wing platforms emphasising strict border controls, traditional family values and populist rhetoric. She successfully positioned herself as the 'Trump whisperer' in Europe and as a potential 'bridge' between Washington and the EU. Following Mr Trump's re-election, Ms Meloni was the only European Union head of state to attend his second inauguration in January 2025. Mr Trump frequently praised her in return, calling her 'fantastic' and 'incredible'.
