Topline
President Donald Trump doubled down on his claims that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “begged” for a photo with him at this week’s G7 summit, according to NBC News, standing his ground after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled his upcoming visit to the U.S. in protest of the “serious and offensive” words.
Meloni pushed back against Trump’s comments Saturday morning.
Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images
Key Facts
Trump told NBC News Meloni “was a big fan,” adding, “But I don’t want her as a fan because she was not there — along with the NATO group — having to do with the Strait [of Hormuz].”
Tajani said in a social media post he was cancelling his June 21 visit to the U.S., noting Trump’s words were “serious and offensive” and offended “all of Italy.”
Tajani was slated to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this weekend.
Meloni addressed the matter in a video statement early Friday morning, “Neither I nor Italy ever beg,” saying Trump fabricated his claims.
Meloni also said she was “astonished” by Trump’s claims, adding, “I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves like this towards his allies—it is not the first time.”
Forbes has reached out to the White House for comment.
What Exactly Did Trump Say?
Trump reportedly told Italian broadcaster La7 that Meloni “begged for a photo with me” and was “happy that we talked, I didn’t have to.” He also claimed Meloni wanted the photo “so badly… I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.” Trump also criticized Europe’s immigration and energy policies in his interview with La7, saying European leaders “have gotten everything wrong.”
Crucial Quote
“I can only say it is disappointing that he does not show the same determination with the enemies of the West and of the United States, whose leaders he instead treats with far greater indulgence,” Meloni added.
Key Background
Meloni has typically stood as one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe. She was elected in 2022 as a member of the Brothers of Italy, a right-wing populist party with neo-fascist roots that advocates for strict border control, and was the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration in 2025. However, cracks in Trump and Meloni’s relationship have shown this year. Though Meloni did not take a stance against the U.S. war against Iran, Italy denied U.S. military aircraft permission to land at one of its bases before they traveled to the Middle East in March, according to Reuters. Meloni did however directly oppose Trump during his public feud with Pope Leo XIV in April, saying his remarks about the pontiff were “unacceptable.” Trump told the Italian press he was “shocked” by Meloni, saying he thought she had courage but “was wrong.”
Further Reading
Trump Lashes Out At Pope Leo Over Iran War—Again—Before Rubio Visit (Forbes)