US President Donald Trump has escalated his public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, publishing a fresh Truth Social post in which he doubled down on claims that the Italian leader repeatedly sought a photograph with him, after Meloni categorically dismissed the allegation as fabricated.
Hours after Meloni’s rebuttal gained international attention, Trump took to Truth Social and reiterated his claim, insisting that the Italian Prime Minister had repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the G7 summit in France.
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote, before accusing her of seeking political benefit from an association with him.
The US President also linked his criticism of Meloni to disagreements over Iran, claiming she had refused to support American efforts to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump further alleged that Italy had denied the United States access to its airfields and runways during military operations, creating what he described as a significant logistical obstacle.
Trump went on to claim that Meloni was now attempting to improve relations with Washington after the United States had “defeated Iran militarily.”
“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again to get her ‘numbers up.’ No thanks!!!” he wrote.
Trump stokes controversy by claiming Meloni “begged” for a picture; Italian PM hits back
The latest controversy began when Trump claimed during a media interaction that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph and that he agreed to pose with her only “out of pity.” The remarks triggered a political storm in Italy, prompting a direct response from the Prime Minister.
In a video statement titled “Neither I nor Italy ever beg,” Meloni rejected Trump’s account and accused the US President of making up the story.
“Certain things deserve an immediate response. Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up; I am frankly stunned. I don’t know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies, and it’s not the first time it’s happened,” Meloni said.
She further criticised Trump for being tougher on allies than on America’s adversaries.
“I can only say that it’s disappointing that he doesn’t show the same determination toward the enemies of the West, the enemies of the United States, with leaderships toward which he is instead much more accommodating. But one thing he should remember: Italy and I never beg,” she added.
Diplomatic fallout in Italy
Trump’s comments triggered a sharp response from the Italian government.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States on June 21-22 and condemned the US President’s remarks.
“The grave and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy,” Tajani posted.
The cancellation marked a significant escalation in what had begun as a personal dispute between the two leaders but has now evolved into a diplomatic confrontation between Washington and Rome.
Disagreements over Iran
The growing tensions come amid differences between the two governments over US military action against Iran.
Trump has repeatedly criticised Meloni for refusing to support Washington’s military approach and has publicly questioned her leadership over the issue.
“I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” Trump reportedly said in an earlier interview, describing her refusal to back the United States as “unacceptable.”
He had also criticised Meloni for defending Pope Leo XIV, adding further strain to relations between the two leaders.
