Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 20: Relations between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have come under strain after the two leaders traded sharp remarks over their interactions at the recent G7 summit in France.
The public exchange marks a significant deterioration in what had previously been considered one of the strongest relationships between Trump and a major European leader, with both figures often aligned on issues such as immigration and national sovereignty.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Meloni repeatedly requested to be photographed with him during the summit.
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote.
He further suggested that her actions were driven by domestic political considerations, alleging that her popularity in Italy was declining.
Trump also criticised Meloni's position on Iran, claiming she had declined to support the United States' efforts to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Additionally, he alleged that Italy had refused to allow US forces to use its runways and airstrips, calling it a logistical inconvenience despite Washington's defence commitments to Italy and other NATO allies.
“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to improve her numbers. No thanks,” Trump wrote.
The comments echoed statements he made during an interview with Italy's La7 television network following the G7 summit.
Speaking about Meloni, Trump said, “She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a photo with me so badly that I might not have done it otherwise, but I felt sorry for her.”
Meloni strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as entirely fabricated.
“The statements by Donald Trump are completely invented. They are frankly astonishing. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way toward his allies,” she said.
She further criticised Trump's approach to international relations, saying he appeared tougher on allies than on adversaries.
“It is unfortunate that he does not show the same determination toward the enemies of the West and the enemies of the United States, toward whom he often appears more accommodating,” she said.
In her strongest response, Meloni declared, “Italy and I never beg.”
The dispute has also affected diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
The United States Department of State had earlier announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel to Miami on June 22 to attend the Italy-US Business, Investment, Science and Innovation Forum.
Rubio had been scheduled to meet Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas such as economic security and critical minerals.
However, Tajani announced on Friday that he was cancelling his planned trip in protest against Trump's remarks.
“The serious and offensive words directed by President Trump at Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for June 21 and 22,” Tajani said in a post on X.
Until recently, Trump and Meloni were widely regarded as close political partners, frequently exchanging praise and presenting a united front on several international issues. The latest dispute, however, signals a notable shift in that relationship and could complicate future cooperation between Washington and Rome.