An ongoing conflict between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni became public after the G7 summit. This tension highlights the strain in their previously strong political relationship.
Meloni responded on Friday, expressing surprise at Trump’s behavior. She stated, “Donald Trump’s statements are completely made up. 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.” Her comments were reported by Reuters.
Trump had told an Italian news outlet that Meloni “begged” for a photo with him during the G7, a claim that Meloni and officials sharply denied. Before this incident, Meloni was considered one of Trump’s closest allies, even attending his 2025 presidential inauguration as the only European leader present.
Trump said to La7 TV channel, “She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her. She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.”
In response, Meloni said, “I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and of the United States, whose leaders he instead treats with far greater indulgence.” She added, “There is one thing he should remember: neither I nor Italy ever beg.”
Representatives from Meloni’s office had no additional comments. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for a statement.
Tensions between the two leaders have been building as Meloni recently sought distance from the U.S. amid domestic and political pressure over ongoing Middle East conflicts. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his U.S. visit following Trump’s remarks.
Tajani stated, “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.” Tajani was slated to participate in the Italy–U.S. Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum in Miami, Florida. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to speak at the event.
Rubio had previously visited Italy to address tensions with Meloni and Pope Leo XIV. Meanwhile, Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for comment.
Trump has encouraged global leaders to take a stronger stand in the Iran conflict, where Meloni remained neutral, accentuating the gap between them. Meloni has clearly stated that she opposes any reduction of the U.S. military presence in Italy, contrasting with Trump’s wish to rethink American troop deployment in Europe.
Italy continues to be crucial for U.S. security in Europe, housing nearly 13,000 active-duty American forces across six bases at the end of 2025.
The article included contributions from Fox News Digital’s Courtney Walsh and Reuters. It was reported by Ashley J. DiMella for Fox News Digital.