Meloni rejects Trump’s G7 photo claim as Italy cancels diplomat trip

Meloni accused Trump of fabricating a claim that she begged for a photo at the G7, saying “neither I nor Italy ever beg.”apnews
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned trip to Washington, calling Trump’s remarks “serious and offensive words” that “offend all of Italy.”clickorlando
The rift is striking because Meloni had been considered one of Trump’s closest European allies, according to Reuters.internazionale

Meloni Rejects Trump’s G7 Photo Claim as Italy Cancels Diplomat’s US Visit

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday accused U.S. President Donald Trump of fabricating a story that she had “begged” him for a photograph at the recent G7 summit, triggering a diplomatic rupture between the longtime allies that led Italy’s foreign minister to cancel a planned trip to Washington.

The Remarks

The dispute erupted after Trump told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni had pleaded with him for a photo opportunity at the G7 gathering in France. According to the network, Trump said he was not obliged to agree but did so because he “felt sorry for her.”apnews

Meloni responded with a video statement calling the claims “completely fabricated.” She said she was “frankly astonished” and questioned why Trump treats Western allies with less respect than adversaries.internazionale

“I do not understand why the President of the United States acts this way toward his allies; this is not the first instance,” Meloni said, adding: “Neither I nor Italy ever beg.”usnews

Diplomatic Fallout

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly cancelled his planned visit to Washington scheduled for June 21–22, calling Trump’s statements “serious and offensive words” that “offend all of Italy.”clickorlando

The cancellation marked a concrete diplomatic consequence rarely seen from a close U.S. ally within the Western bloc. The Associated Press reported the pushback suggested Italy “had had enough of Trump’s boasting.”apnews

A Fractured Alliance

The confrontation is notable because Meloni had been considered one of Trump’s closest European partners. Reuters described Trump as Meloni’s “one-time close ally,” underscoring the depth of the rift. Meloni said she was disappointed Trump does not show “the same resolve against the enemies of the West and the United States, whose leaders he treats with far greater leniency.”internazionale

Neither the White House nor Trump has publicly responded to Italy’s rebuke.