Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has slammed US President Donald Trump for fabricating a claim that she asked him for a photo at the G7 summit. Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister, who took office in October 2022, pushed back against the claim, making it clear that neither she nor Italy would seek favors or approval from others.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump clash over a disputed G7 photo
Trump and Meloni were seen speaking closely on June 16 during the G7 leaders’ summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. Later, the Italian leader told reporters she found the relationship with Trump “unchanged”.
She said, as quoted by POLITICO, “Donald Trump and I are two people with fairly strong personalities who defend our national interests. There’s no need for us to clarify things when we disagree on something because, in the end, each of us understands the other person’s point of view.”
However, tensions emerged after Trump later made comments about their interaction during a June 18 interview with La7 TV. Trump said Meloni was “probably happy I spoke to her,” adding, “She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her,” reports ABC.
Following this, Meloni criticized Trump and responded in a video posted on X, “Donald Trump’s declarations are totally invented.” She added, “Frankly, I am stunned. I don’t know why the US president behaves this way towards his allies. It’s not the first time it’s happened, I can only say it’s unfortunate he doesn’t show the same determination towards the west’s enemies.”
In the same video, she made Italy and her stand clear: “There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.” Other members of the Italian government came out in support of the prime minister. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini wrote on X, “Whoever attacks @GiorgiaMeloni attacks all of us.”
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also criticized Trump’s remarks and canceled a planned visit to the United States. He wrote, “The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June.”
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Originally reported by Meenakshi Sengupta on Reality Tea
