Tensions between key transatlantic allies have surfaced after US President Donald Trump claimed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked him insistently for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in France.
In an interview with an Italian broadcaster, Trump described the encounter by saying Meloni had “begged” him for the picture, adding that he agreed only out of sympathy. The remarks quickly drew a sharp public response from the Italian prime minister.
Meloni addressed the comments directly through social media, posting a brief video and stating firmly that neither she nor Italy has ever begged anyone for anything. She expressed astonishment at what she described as entirely fabricated assertions. In her statement, Meloni questioned why the US president would speak in such a manner about a close partner, noting it was not the first such instance. She contrasted this approach with what she viewed as insufficient resolve toward adversaries of the West.
Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, announced the cancellation of his scheduled visit to the United States in protest. He characterized Trump’s words as serious and offensive toward Meloni and, by extension, the entire country. The trip had been planned for June 21 and 22.
The episode has prompted further criticism from within Meloni’s circle. A senior aide and undersecretary in her office, Giovanbattista Fazzolari, suggested that Trump’s comments whether intentional or not risk undermining long-standing ties between the United States and Europe. He argued that such statements have contributed to growing unpopularity of the US across the continent, harming both sides.
Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, also weighed in, stating he could not envision Meloni requesting a photograph from anyone, even under duress. He warned that remarks of this nature serve no one’s interests, including those of the United States, Italy, or the broader alliance.
The exchange highlights ongoing strains in relations between the US administration and European partners amid broader discussions on security, defence spending, and international cooperation. The G7 summit, which brought together leaders including Trump and Meloni, had focused on coordinated efforts to increase pressure on Russia regarding the situation in Ukraine.
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This latest development adds to a pattern of direct and sometimes personal exchanges between the US president and European officials, testing diplomatic norms within the alliance.