Meloni Denies Trump’s ‘Begging’ Claim After G7 Meeting

Former President Donald Trump has alleged that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni begged him for a photo during the G7 summit in Evian, leaving the two leaders in a public spat. The claim was made in a phone interview on La7 TV and was quickly dismissed by Meloni who called it “made‑up.”

Meloni, whose twin brother was present at the summit and who photographed Trump in front of the G7 logo, stressed that neither she nor Italy ever beg for personal or political favors. In an Instagram post addressed to her seven‑million followers, she said she was “frankly stunned” by Trump’s comment and that it was “regrettable” how he treated an ally. The statement followed months of tension after Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV and his stance on the U.S. war with Iran.

The incident underscores a fraying relationship that had once seemed close, with Meloni attending Trump’s inauguration last year and viewing him as a potential bridge‑builder. However, tensions have risen as Trump’s remarks on Italian politics, the Mafia, and military commanders have drawn rebuke from figures across the Italian political spectrum, from the Five‑Star Movement to the League and the Democratic Party.

In response, foreign minister Antonio Tajani cancelled his planned visit to the U.S. early next week, and several ministers and senators praised Meloni’s stance. The episode echoes similar disputes between U.S. leaders and European counterparts, stressing the need for diplomatic respect.

The photo below shows Trump and Meloni together on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian; the image was tweeted by Reuters.

Caption: Trump and Meloni shown together on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France.