Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly rejected remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, calling his claims about her “completely made up.” The exchange has triggered renewed diplomatic tension between the two leaders following the G7 summit in France.
Trump’s Controversial Statement at G7 Summit
The dispute began after Trump reportedly claimed in a media interview that Meloni had sought a photo opportunity with him during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
According to his comments, “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.”
Video footage from the summit showed the two leaders in conversation, but no clear evidence supported the claim made by Trump. The audio was not released in its original form, and only a dubbed translation was broadcast.
Meloni Strongly Rejects the Allegations
Giorgia Meloni responded firmly to the statement, expressing shock over the US leader’s remarks. She dismissed the claim and questioned his behavior toward allied nations.
“I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies,” she said, adding that she was “astonished” by the comments.
She further stated that the remarks were false and damaging to diplomatic relations. Meloni emphasized that such behavior was not new in her experience of dealing with Trump.
“I am frankly astonished. I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies: it is not the first time, moreover.”
She also added a strong personal response, stating: “There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Io e l’Italia non imploriamo mai. pic.twitter.com/sTpKlqWB67
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 19, 2026
Rising Diplomatic Strain Between Allies
The exchange marks a noticeable decline in relations between the two leaders. It comes shortly after both had appeared to stabilize tensions during the G7 summit.
Earlier in the year, relations between the US and Italy had already faced strain due to disagreements linked to international conflicts, including the war in Iran.
The latest comments have reopened diplomatic friction and raised questions about coordination between key Western allies.
Italy Responds with Strong Political Reaction
Following the controversy, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a scheduled visit to the United States.
He described Trump’s remarks as offensive and damaging to national dignity.
“The grave and offensive words of President Trump… offend the whole of Italy,” he said in a statement.
The cancellation signals growing discomfort within Italy’s leadership over the public exchange.
Broader Political Context
The incident also follows earlier disagreements involving Trump and European leaders on foreign policy positions. Meloni had previously distanced herself from certain US positions, especially regarding international conflicts.
Observers note that tensions between the two leaders highlight broader divisions within Western alliances.
Outlook for US–Italy Relations
While both countries remain key strategic partners, the recent exchange has added strain to diplomatic communication.
Future engagement may depend on efforts to de-escalate rhetoric and rebuild trust between the leaderships.
For now, the incident stands as a rare public clash between two prominent right-wing leaders on the global stage.
