US President Trump's statement that "Meloni begged for a photo" triggered a diplomatic controversy between Italy and the United States.
For several days, the leaders of both countries have been in a heated exchange of opinions, with no one willing to yield. Italy's Foreign Minister directly canceled the trip to the United States, which was scheduled to begin on June 21.
From the 15th to the 17th of this month, the G7 summit was held in Évignon-le-Ban, France. Trump said in an interview with Italian media that Italian Prime Minister Meloni “begged for a photo” during the summit.
She probably was happy to speak with me, but I didn't have to," Trump said, adding, "She begged me to take a picture with her. She really wanted a photo with me. I wouldn't have taken it otherwise, but I pitied her."
Teasing or attacking Western allies' leaders is not new for Trump, but this time, Meloni couldn't bear it any longer.
Meloni: I never beg Italy. Meloni X screenshot
Donald Trump's statements are entirely fabricated. To be frank, I am shocked. I don't know why the US president behaves in this manner towards his allies. Besides, it's not the first time either. Meloni responded to the incident on social media on June 19th.
"I can only say that what's disappointing is that he did not show the same determination towards enemies of the West and America, but was much more lenient with them," Milo said. "He should remember one thing: neither Italy nor I ever begged anyone for anything."
On the 20th, Trump posted on his own social media platform "Truth Social", reiterating his words from the interview. He also mentioned that Meloni's support rate in Italy is very low. "Now, after defeating Iran in the United States, she wants to become friends again in order to increase her support rate. No, thank you!"
Meloni also did not show any weakness. “President Trump, these continuous unjust attacks are meaningless,” she posted on Instagram on the 20th. “As for my popularity, being your friend definitely does not help it, and it does not depend on our relationship. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interests.”
"Regardless of whatever, my support rate doesn't need your worry, I suggest you still focus on your own support rate." Mei Lunie "repaired the knife."
Bloomberg reported on the 21st that Trump had disputes with most G7 leaders, but Merony did something that none of the others dared: she escalated the confrontation. In the past 24 hours, Merony accused Trump of lying and catering to “enemies” while turning against his own people. She also directly attacked Trump’s vulnerabilities, forcing him to recognize his declining popularity in polls. There is no doubt that Merony was well aware that Trump’s support rate had dropped to new lows.
Merloni was originally a loyal ally of Trump in Europe, and was the only European leader who attended his inauguration in 2025. At that time, Trump praised Merloni as a “great woman who sweeps across Europe”.
In February of this year, after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, the contradictions between the two countries began to emerge.
In March, Italy refused to allow the U.S. military to use the Sigonella military base on Sicily for related military operations, and also declined to participate in military actions in the Strait of Hormuz. In April, Pope Leo XIV was attacked by Trump for condemning the leaders who initiated the war. Meloni stepped forward to defend Leo XIV.
However, in the eyes of the outside world, these conflicts quickly subsided. At the G7 summit earlier this week, Trump and Meloni were also photographed talking intimately. Meloni later told reporters that her relationship with Trump had not changed, and there was “no mutual blame.”
Trump and Meloni talked during the G7 summit
Bloomberg reported that at this G7 summit, many leaders set aside their reservations regarding the memorandum of understanding between Trump and Iran. Trump also changed his previously critical attitude toward the G7, calling it “one of the most successful summits.”
A “pleasant atmosphere” G7 summit has just ended, and Trump and Meloni have encountered such a major conflict, which is somewhat unexpected.
Whether to endure and placate Trump relentlessly, or to confront him directly, is a question that many American allies have struggled with. Bloomberg notes that many leaders now realize that silently enduring Trump's attacks only lowers their image among voters, as Trump is unpopular with any political faction in Europe.
Bloomberg believes that Meloni “strived hard” against Trump because she was the first person to truly test the theory that “challenging Trump can gain voter support”. Italy will have elections in 2027, and Meloni will face challenges at that time. According to Lorenzo Castellani, a researcher at the Luiss University, considering Meloni’s personal brand as “Trump’s puppet in Europe” is not a positive image.
"America's close ally is increasingly distancing itself from Trump." Axios commented. Reports point out that, amidst already tense international relations, the US is facing another brewing diplomatic crisis.
Reuters noted that one of Meron's closest political allies, a person who usually avoids media attention, criticized Trump in a "unthinkable tone."
"Currently, it is unclear whether (Trump) acted intentionally or due to incompetence. He is destroying the historical relationship between the United States and Europe with his own hand." stated Italian Prime Minister's Office Deputy Secretary of State Giovanbattista Fazzolari in a statement.
"Through his inappropriate outbursts, he accomplished a most difficult feat – making the United States appear abhorrent throughout the entirety of Europe's mainland. This not only harmed Europe but also significantly damaged the US itself." Fazzari stated.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Salvini said on the 19th that due to Trump's inappropriate remarks, he decided to cancel his visit to the United States scheduled for the 21st and 22nd of this month. He stated on social media that Trump's remarks about Meloni were "serious and offensive," not only targeting Italian Prime Minister Meloni herself, but also "offending Italy as a whole."
Italy and the United States originally scheduled a business forum in Miami on the 22nd. According to people familiar with the matter, Italy planned to sign the "Pax Silica" initiative, led by the United States, at the forum. This initiative aims to ensure the security of the supply chain of key minerals necessary for artificial intelligence. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken will also attend the forum.
It is still unclear when the agreement will be signed. And Meloni doesn’t care about this.
Trump's close friend and envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Repubblica: "This is the official position of Italy. It indicates that the two sides have completely broken off relations."
Spain and Belgium have also expressed their support for Italy.
Belgian Defense Minister Francken posted on social platform X on the 19th, saying, "The White House must stop its offensive remarks. This will only lead to division in the West, with no benefits."
Sanchez said on the 19th that he had previously expressed support for Meloni in this matter at the European Council. He said that this attack against Meloni was neither for political purposes nor due to personal conflicts. "In fact, I don't even know how to describe this situation."
