Donald Trump has repeated his remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, insisting that she “begged” him for a photo during this week’s G7 summit in France.
The dispute between the two leaders escalated after Meloni publicly rejected the allegation on June 19, saying on Instagram that Trump’s version of events was “completely fabricated”.
The G7 gathering took place in Évian-les-Bains, France, from June 15 to 17. Trump was quoted in comments broadcast by Italian outlet La7 as saying Meloni was “probably happy I spoke to her. I didn’t have to”, before adding: “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.”
Meloni swiftly pushed back, saying she was “frankly stunned” by what she described as false claims.
In her statement, she wrote: “Italy and I never beg. Some things deserve an immediate response. 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.”
Trump later doubled down, saying Meloni was “a big fan” and repeating that he had not been obliged to speak with her. The remarks drew a sharp response in Italy, where officials said the comments were insulting to the prime minister and to the country.
NEW: In phone call w/@NBCNews, President Trump doubled down on his criticism of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
"She was a big fan," he said. "But I don't want her as a fan because she was not there — along with the NATO group — having to do with the Strait."
— Gabe Gutierrez (@gabegutierrez) June 19, 2026
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Trump’s remarks and canceled a planned visit to the United States.
“The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy.
Le gravi e offensive parole del Presidente Trump nei confronti del Presidente del Consiglio Giorgia Meloni offendono tutta l’Italia. Per questo motivo ho deciso di annullare la mia visita negli Stati Uniti prevista per i prossimi 21 e 22 giugno.
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) June 19, 2026
“For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June,” he wrote on X.
The row is notable because Meloni has often been seen as one of Trump’s closest European political allies, sharing his conservative, nationalist style of politics. But the exchange at the G7 has exposed tensions in what had been a relatively cordial relationship.