The tensions between the United States and Italy heightened when President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the G7 summit. Trump alleged that Meloni repeatedly requested a photo with him during the meeting in France. He also blamed Italy for lack of cooperation during the Iran war.
Trump’s comments, initially aired in his interview with an Italian broadcaster, sparked a diplomatic dispute as Meloni refuted claims of requesting a photo. Italy’s foreign minister canceled a U.S. trip, and Meloni’s government supported her position against false allegations.
During the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, leaders, including Trump, Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, attended a working lunch focused on Middle Eastern affairs. Trump used his social media platform to restate his claims about Meloni’s repeated requests for a photo, although he corrected a misspelling of her name later.
“…she turned down the United States of America, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump stated.
In response, Meloni defended her actions, stating that her popularity in Italy hinged on her commitment to national interests, independent of her connections with Trump. She dismissed Trump’s remarks as unnecessary and advised him to focus on his own popularity.
The ongoing spat was further aggravated by Trump’s criticism of Meloni’s refusal to allow the U.S. access to Italian runways during the Iran war. Meloni cited constitutional and domestic opposition as reasons, emphasizing the need for parliamentary approval for such decisions.
Italy’s stance reflects its internal opposition to the conflict and highlights constitutional constraints. Despite Trump’s frustrations, Meloni stood firm in her position, insisting on parliamentary backing for military operations.