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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly accused US President Donald Trump of fabricating a story that she "begged" him for a photograph during the G7 summit in France. The accusation, delivered in a video posted on Instagram, marks an escalation in a diplomatic dispute that has already led Italy's foreign minister to cancel a planned visit to the United States.

In her response, Meloni said she was "frankly stunned" by Trump's comments, which she described as "completely fabricated" and "totally invented." She added, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg," a statement reported by multiple outlets including ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, BBC, The Guardian, and others.

The controversy began after Trump, in a phone interview with Italy's La7 TV channel, claimed that Meloni had asked him repeatedly for a photo together at the G7 meeting in Évian-les-Bains. Trump was quoted by La7 as saying, "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." He also reportedly said, "She's probably happy I talked to her. I didn't have to talk to her."

The channel did not release the original English audio, only a dubbed Italian version, according to several reports.

Coverage Comparison

The story has been covered widely, with outlets generally agreeing on the core facts but differing in tone and emphasis. ABC Australia, Al Jazeera (in one of its reports), BBC, and The Guardian framed the story as a diplomatic clash, using neutral language. Other reports from Al Jazeera, Jerusalem Post, and The Hindu — World adopted a more critical tone, describing Meloni as "astonished" and accusing Trump of acting with "far greater deference" to enemies of the West than to allies.

Most reports highlighted that Meloni and Trump had appeared to be repairing their relationship at the G7 summit, with video showing them in deep conversation on a small sofa. Trump's comments, however, suggested he had merely indulged her, contradicting the public appearance of a cordial meeting.

A key development reported by several outlets was the cancellation by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani of a planned trip to the US. Tajani, who had been scheduled to visit Washington on Sunday and Monday, said on social media that "the grave and offensive words of President Trump... offend the whole of Italy." This was reported by BBC, South China Morning Post, ABC Australia, and others.

Key Claims

  • Trump's alleged comments: In an interview with Italy's La7 TV channel, Trump claimed Meloni "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit. The exact wording, as translated by La7, was reported by multiple outlets, including ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, BBC, and The Guardian.
  • Meloni's denial: In an Instagram video, Meloni called Trump's statements "completely fabricated" and "totally invented," adding that she was "stunned" and that "Italy and I do not beg."
  • Tajani's cancellation: Italy's foreign minister cancelled a planned US visit in response to Trump's comments, calling them offensive to all of Italy.
  • Past relationship: Meloni had been a vocal supporter of Trump, having met him at Mar-a-Lago after his 2024 election victory and attended his inauguration in January 2025. This was noted by ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Jerusalem Post, and The Hindu.
  • Underlying tensions: The current dispute follows earlier disagreements over the war in Iran, with Italy reportedly denying US aircraft access to bases for operations against Iran. Trump, in a Truth Social post, accused Meloni of not supporting US efforts to deny Iran nuclear weapons and of causing "a great logistical inconvenience."
  • Trump's subsequent post: In a post on Truth Social, Trump repeated his photo claim and criticized Meloni's popularity, saying she wanted to be friends again "to get her numbers up. No thanks!!!" This was reported by BBC.
  • Meloni's criticism of Trump's approach to enemies: In her video, Meloni suggested that Trump treats the enemies of the West with more deference than allies, saying it was "regrettable he does not show the same determination towards the enemies of the West and of the US."

Perspectives

Italian government: Meloni and Tajani have expressed anger and disbelief at Trump's comments. Meloni said the statements were fabricated and that Italy does not beg. Tajani called the words "grave and offensive" and cancelled his US visit.

US President: Donald Trump has not directly responded to Meloni's denial in the material provided, but he repeated his claim on Truth Social, insisting that Meloni asked "over and over" for a picture and accusing her of lacking courage in supporting US efforts in Iran. He also suggested she was seeking to boost her popularity by rekindling their friendship.