PARIS June 19, 2026 — A sharp public rift has erupted between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, once viewed as close political allies, after Trump claimed in an Italian television interview that Meloni “begged” him for a photograph during this week’s G7 summit in France.
In comments aired on Italy’s La7 network, Trump said Meloni “wanted a picture with me so badly” and that he agreed only because he “felt sorry for her.” He added that she had “begged” for the photo-op.
Meloni responded swiftly with a video posted on social media, calling Trump’s account “completely made up” and expressing astonishment at the remarks coming from a key ally.
“Donald Trump’s statements are totally fabricated. I am frankly stunned,” Meloni said. “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies… But there is one thing he must remember: Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Footage from the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains shows the two leaders engaged in an animated conversation while seated together on a sofa, but contains no indication of any pleading.
The exchange has escalated into a broader diplomatic incident. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to the United States, where he was scheduled to attend a business forum in Miami and meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Italian officials have rallied around Meloni. The dispute comes amid existing strains in U.S.-Italy relations, including differences over Middle East policy, Iran, NATO commitments, and Ukraine.
Meloni, a right-wing leader who attended Trump’s 2025 inauguration, had sought to maintain strong ties with the U.S. administration. The latest flare-up highlights ongoing tensions in transatlantic relations despite the leaders’ shared ideological leanings.
The White House has not immediately commented on Meloni’s rebuttal. The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with reactions ranging from support for Meloni’s firm response to defenses of Trump’s comments as typical blunt New York-style exaggeration.
This is not the first time Trump has clashed publicly with European allies, but the direct rebuke from Meloni marks a notable deterioration in what was once a warm personal rapport.
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