Trump-Meloni Feud Escalates as US President Repeats G7 Photo Claim

A diplomatic dispute between the United States and Italy deepened on Saturday after US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of seeking political advantage through their relationship and condemning Italy's position on the US-Iran conflict.

Trump Repeats Photo Claim, Targets Italy's Iran Stance

In a strongly worded post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his claim that Meloni repeatedly requested photographs with him during the recent G7 summit in France. He alleged that the Italian leader was attempting to rebuild ties with him to improve her standing at home.

"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France. She is doing poorly in Italy with her level of popularity, possibly because she turned down the United States of America, a Country that truly loves and protects Italy, when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!). She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience, and this despite the fact the U.S. contributes hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year to protect Italy, and other 'so-called' NATO Allies. Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her 'numbers up.' No thanks!!! President DJT," Trump wrote.

The US President also voiced frustration over Italy's refusal to allow American forces access to Italian airfields and runways, arguing that the decision complicated US military operations despite Washington's significant contributions to NATO's collective defence.

Meloni Rejects Allegations, Says Italy 'Never Begs'

Meloni responded sharply on Friday through a self-recorded video posted on X, dismissing Trump's remarks as entirely false and expressing disappointment at his approach towards allies.

"I am shocked by Trump's utterly fabricated words," she said.

"Certain things deserve an immediate response. Donald Trump's statements are totally invented. I am frankly appalled. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way with his own allies. After all, it is not the first time this has happened," Meloni added.

The Italian Prime Minister further criticised Trump's diplomatic conduct, saying, "I can only say that it is a shame he doesn't have the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with leaderships toward whom he instead proves to be much more accommodating."

She concluded with a pointed message: "There is one thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg."

Diplomatic Fallout Deepens

The latest exchange follows comments Trump made during an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, where he claimed Meloni had persistently sought a photo opportunity with him during the G7 summit.

"Meloni? She begged me for a photo; I felt sorry for her," Trump said.

The remarks sparked criticism across Italy's political spectrum and added strain to relations between the two leaders.

Amid the growing controversy, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his scheduled visit to the United States on June 21-22, describing Trump's comments as offensive.

"The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy. For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June," Tajani wrote on X.

The escalating war of words has become one of the most significant public disagreements between Washington and Rome in recent years, raising questions about the future trajectory of US-Italy relations.

(With inputs from ANI)