Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion that she begged for a photograph during the recent G7 summit in France. In a video statement, Meloni expressed shock at what she termed completely made-up claims, questioning why the U.S. president would misrepresent interactions with allied leaders.
Trump had told an Italian journalist that Meloni desperately wanted a picture and that he only agreed out of pity. This narrative directly contradicts official footage showing a standard handshake following an artificial intelligence session. The Prime Minister’s office subsequently released photographs from the meeting to counter the false account.
The public dispute underscores deteriorating relations between Rome and Washington. Tensions have escalated since Italy refused to support U.S. military operations in Iran and following Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV. Despite earlier assurances of mutual respect and strong national interests, this latest exchange signals a significant rift in the transatlantic alliance.