Did Meloni “beg” Trump for a G7 photo? Read the explosive public statements as the US President and Italian PM engage in a fierce diplomatic war of words
A public spat between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intensified after Trump accused the Italian leader of repeatedly seeking a photograph with him during the recent G7 Summit and claimed she was attacking him because of her declining popularity at home.
In a post on X, Trump alleged that Meloni had asked him for a photograph “over and over” during the summit and suggested her criticism was politically motivated.
“She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity,” Trump wrote, adding that her stance against supporting US actions aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons had hurt relations between the two allies.
Trump also criticised Meloni for allegedly refusing to allow the United States access to Italian airstrips and runways during military operations involving Iran, calling it a significant logistical setback.
“She wouldn’t even let us use Italy’s landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience,” Trump said, while arguing that the US spends heavily on the defence of Italy and other NATO allies.
The US President further claimed that Meloni now wanted to repair ties because it could help improve her political standing.
Meloni hits back
Meloni responded sharply, describing Trump’s remarks as baseless and unnecessary.
“These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless,” she said in a statement posted on Instagram.
Rejecting Trump’s comments about her popularity, Meloni said her standing with Italian voters depended on her ability to protect Italy’s interests rather than her relationship with the US President.
“As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done,” she said.
She also dismissed Trump’s interest in her approval ratings, adding, “I suggest you focus on yours.”
Dispute over G7 photo claim
The latest exchange follows comments Trump made during an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, where he claimed Meloni had been eager to take a photograph with him during the G7 Summit.
“She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump said.
Meloni strongly denied the allegation, calling the claim “completely made up” and expressing surprise at the remarks.
“Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up, I’m frankly appalled,” she wrote on X.
The Italian Prime Minister also accused Trump of repeatedly targeting allies while showing greater restraint toward adversaries of the West.
“I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies,” she said.
Ending her response on a defiant note, Meloni declared: “One thing he must remember: I and Italy never beg.”
Io e l’Italia non imploriamo mai. pic.twitter.com/sTpKlqWB67
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 19, 2026
The exchange marks one of the sharpest public disagreements between the two conservative leaders and highlights growing tensions over foreign policy and transatlantic relations.
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Trump’s behavior is like that of a class 8th student bully, son of a rich father, harassing a young helpless girl in the school.
Trump is the worst President in entire world & in entire century / centuries. Americans should be ashamed for electing such President.