US President Donald Trump has leveled new criticism against Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alleging she persistently sought photo opportunities with him at the recent G7 summit to bolster her political position at home.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump reiterated that Prime Minister Meloni had “begged” him for photos at the G7 in France, and he only agreed because he “felt sorry for her.” He had earlier told Italian media that Meloni “pleaded” for a picture, a claim Italy denied.
Meloni reacted sharply, calling the allegations “fabricated” and saying she was “stunned” by Trump’s remarks. Trump fired back, insisting the Italian leader asked for photos “time and again.” He accused her of trying to mend ties with Washington for domestic political reasons after Italy declined to support US military action against Iran.
“Now that the US has militarily defeated Iran, she wants to be friends again to boost her approval ratings. No, thanks!!!” Trump wrote. Meloni denied this, posting on Instagram: “President Trump, these repeated baseless attacks are pointless. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interests, and that is what I always do.”
Tensions escalated when Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the US, calling Trump’s words a “serious insult” to Meloni and “the whole of Italy.” In a video posted on X, Meloni accused Trump of being “more lenient with enemies” than with allies.
Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, had cultivated close ties with Trump over recent months, but relations soured in April when she defended Pope Leo XIV against Trump’s criticism. Trump then said Meloni “lacks courage” and “does not want to help eliminate a nuclear-armed Iran.”
