The Italian government collectively addressed comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni during a recent interview. Trump asserted that Premier Meloni had “begged“ him for a photo at the G7 summit, prompting a strong reaction from Italian officials, who expressed dissatisfaction with his characterisation.
In light of these remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a planned visit to the United States for the weekend, labelling Trump’s comments as “serious and offensive“ to both Meloni and Italy as a whole. Additionally, the Italian Foreign Ministry announced the cancellation of the business and scientific forum in Miami that Tajani was scheduled to attend.
Premier Meloni also responded to Trump’s statements, describing them as “completely fabricated“ and expressing her disbelief that he would make such claims about an ally. She emphasised, “Italy and I do not beg.”
During the interview on La7, the discussion initially centred on Ukraine before Trump redirected it to his interactions with Meloni at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France.
Throughout the summit, numerous instances were captured of Meloni and Trump engaged in conversation, including a moment shared on a small sofa. According to La7, Trump claimed that Meloni had “begged” for a photo opportunity, noting that he felt a sense of sympathy towards her and agreed to the request, despite feeling no obligation. The network later published a dubbed version of the conversation online, rather than the original English audio.
Meloni is astonished and defiant
Trump’s actions have strained his alliance with Meloni, once seen as a close friend in Europe. Their relationship soured due to his war in Iran, tariffs against Europe, and his grievances over dissent. In April, Trump criticised Meloni for not supporting his war in Iran and for defending Pope Leo XIV, which led to their fallout.
On Friday, Meloni responded strongly, indicating she no longer fears Trump’s attacks. Lorenzo Castellani, a political scientist at Rome’s Luiss Guido Carli University, remarked that her response could actually benefit her in Italy, where Trump’s popularity has declined.
In her video, Meloni stated, “Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned. I don’t understand why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies.“ She referenced a previous Trump interview where he criticised her refusal to support the US-Israel war in Iran.
By Friday, Meloni seemed frustrated with Trump’s behaviour and remarked, “It’s a shame he doesn’t show the same resolve towards the enemies of the West. But one thing he must remember: Italy and I do not beg.“ The White House didn’t respond immediately to her comments. Their relationship has deteriorated over the US war in Iran, which Meloni considers illegal, Trump’s stance on Ukraine, and his tariffs and support for Israel amid its war in Gaza.
Italian officials support Meloni
By Friday afternoon, strong support for Giorgia Meloni emerged from various sectors of the government and political landscape, including a statement from President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s esteemed head of state. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the leader of the far-right League, remarked, “Whoever attacks @GiorgiaMeloni attacks all of us.“ Justice Minister Carlo Nordio highlighted the detrimental effects on US-Italy relations stemming from remarks by Trump, referencing the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II.
He emphasised, “The thousands of crosses marking the graves of American soldiers who died to liberate us from Nazi-Fascist dictatorship did not deserve such a painful blow to our fraternal ties.” Additionally, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed his conviction that Meloni would never request a photograph from anyone, “not even under threat.”
A ‘fantastic‘ friendship frays
Meloni and Trump began with a strong connection, sharing ideological views on issues like curbing migration and promoting traditional values. Before Trump’s 2025 inauguration, Meloni visited him at Mar-a-Lago, describing the meeting as exceeding her expectations and solidifying their relationship. Trump subsequently praised her, calling her “fantastic“ and a friend.
However, differences arose over Ukraine, particularly when Meloni opposed US threats to acquire Greenland by force, insisting that Italy would never support such an action.
In an unexpected show of support, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with Meloni during a European Council meeting, stating, “All my solidarity,“ and added that the attacks on her were neither political nor personal.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
