PARIS, France – Relations between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump have come under strain after the two leaders publicly clashed over Trump’s claim that Meloni repeatedly requested to take a photograph with him during the G7 Summit in France.
The dispute erupted after photographs emerged showing the two leaders in conversation on the sidelines of the gathering of the world’s seven largest advanced economies. The images came amid reports that the pair had been experiencing growing political tensions.
Speaking to Italy’s La7 television, President Trump claimed that Meloni had repeatedly sought a photo opportunity with him.
“She probably was happy that I spoke to her,” Trump said, suggesting that the Italian leader had been eager to be seen alongside him.
Meloni swiftly rejected the remarks, describing them as “falsehoods” and an attempt to discredit her.
“I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves this way toward his allies. And it is not the first time,” Meloni wrote on social media.
She added:
“But there is one thing he must remember: neither I nor Italy beg for anything.”
The diplomatic row appears to have had immediate repercussions. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reportedly cancelled a planned visit to the United States scheduled for next week.
The exchange marks a dramatic shift in relations between Trump and Meloni, who were previously regarded as close allies. Trump had often publicly praised the Italian leader, including comments about her appearance, and Meloni was the only European head of government to attend Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025.
Tensions between the two leaders reportedly began escalating in March 2026 over the U.S. military campaign against Iran, which Italy and several other European countries declined to support.
KIGALI TIMES