Meloni and Trump Clash as G7 Photo Dispute Escalates Into Diplomatic Row
A growing diplomatic dispute between Italy and the United States has intensified after President Donald Trump repeated claims that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly asked him for a photograph during the G7 summit in France. Trump said Meloni wanted to repair relations and requested a photo "over and over again," remarks he has continued to defend despite strong criticism from Rome.
Meloni swiftly rejected the allegation, calling it "completely made up" and saying she was astonished that such comments came from the leader of a close ally. In a public response, she said neither she nor Italy "beg" for favors and suggested Trump's behavior toward allies was becoming increasingly disrespectful.
The controversy has sparked outrage across Italy's political spectrum. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the remarks and canceled a planned visit to the United States, while several senior officials warned that the episode risks undermining transatlantic relations at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
The dispute marks a dramatic deterioration in what was once viewed as one of Trump's closest relationships with a European leader. Meloni had long been considered a key conservative ally of Trump in Europe, but disagreements over Middle East policy, Iran, and broader foreign policy issues have strained ties in recent months.
Analysts say the clash has become more than a personal disagreement. It now reflects growing tensions between Washington and several European partners over security, diplomacy, and the future direction of Western alliances.