Meloni Denounces Trump’s Claim She ‘Begged’ for a Photo

Rome – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her government sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump after he asserted during a recent interview that she had “begged” for a photograph with him at the G7 summit. The remarks prompted immediate condemnation from Rome, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceling a planned visit to the United States and labeling the comments “serious and offensive.” In a video response, Meloni called the claim “completely fabricated” and declared, “Italy and I do not beg.”

The controversy stems from an interview broadcast Friday morning on the Italian network La7, where Trump discussed Meloni and their encounter during the meeting in Evian‑les‑Bains, France. According to La7’s coverage, Trump said Meloni had “begged” him for a photo‑op, adding that he felt pity for her and consented despite no obligation.

Meloni’s response marked a shift in an otherwise cooperative relationship. She has long positioned Italy as a bridge between Washington and the European Union, attending Trump’s inauguration and meeting him at Mar‑a‑Lago before his 2025 term. Early in the relationship, Trump praised her repeatedly, describing Meloni as “fantastic” and “incredible.”

However, underlying disagreements have surfaced over several issues. Meloni has called the U.S. war in Iran illegal, opposed Trump’s stance on Ukraine while Italy strongly supports Kyiv, and warned against any U.S. threat to seize Greenland. Additionally, Trump’s tariffs and robust support for Israel’s campaign in Gaza have strained the bilateral ties.

The Italian government rallied behind Meloni on Friday. President Sergio Mattarella expressed solidarity, while ministers such as Matteo Salvini, Carlo Nordio and Guido Crosetto used social media to underscore the damage Trump’s remarks inflict on the historic alliance. “Whoever attacks @GiorgiaMeloni attacks all of us,” Salvini posted. Nordio invoked the sacrifice of American soldiers in World War II, and Crosetto remarked that Meloni would never beg for a photo, even under threat.

Tajani’s abrupt cancellation of a Sunday trip to Miami, where he was scheduled to attend an Italy‑U.S. business forum and meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, further highlighted Rome’s displeasure. A U.S. State Department announcement of the meeting was later withdrawn.

The White House did not immediately comment on Meloni’s rebuttal. As tensions continue, analysts note that the episode may signal the end of a brief period of close cooperation between the two leaders, despite their shared ideological outlook on migration and cultural issues.

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