A diplomatic dispute has broken out between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump after the latter claimed in a television interview that the Italian leader had “begged” for a photograph with him during the recent G7 summit in Évian, France.

Meloni strongly rejected the remarks, describing them as “totally invented” and expressing disappointment over what she said was Trump’s treatment of allies. The controversy deepened after Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani cancelled a scheduled visit to the United States in protest.

Meloni Rejects Trump’s Remarks

The row stems from comments Trump made during an interview with Italian broadcaster La7, in which he alleged that Meloni had insisted on taking a picture with him during the 52nd G7 summit and that he had agreed because he “felt sorry for her”.

“Meloni? She begged me for a photo; I felt sorry for her,” Trump said during the interview, triggering criticism across Italy’s political spectrum and casting a shadow over relations between the two leaders.

In response, Meloni released a self-recorded video message on X in which she categorically denied the US President’s claims.

“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,” the Italian Prime Minister said.

Italian Prime Minister Questions Trump’s Priorities

Meloni also criticised Trump’s approach towards countries and leaders she described as adversaries of the West.

“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 said.

She concluded her remarks with a pointed message on national pride, saying, “There is one thing he must remember: Italy and I never beg.”

Foreign Minister Cancels US Visit

The diplomatic fallout widened when Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the cancellation of his planned visit to the United States, which had been scheduled for June 21 and 22.

In a post on X, Tajani described Trump’s comments as “serious and offensive” and said they amounted to an insult to the entire country.

“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,” he wrote.

The episode has intensified tensions between Rome and Washington and adversely affected ties between Trump and Meloni, who had previously maintained cordial relations.

Meloni and Modi Continue to Draw Global Attention

Even as she navigates the diplomatic controversy, Meloni and Prime Minister Narendra Modi continue to attract international attention because of their strong domestic mandates and high approval ratings.

The two leaders have developed a visible rapport over recent years and have frequently met on the sidelines of global gatherings, including the latest G7 summit in Évian, where their interactions have highlighted growing strategic ties between India and Italy.

Their friendship has also become a social media phenomenon, with online users popularising the hashtag “#Melodi”.

During the 2026 G7 Summit in France, Meloni jokingly referred to herself and Modi as “the most famous couple on Instagram”.

Earlier, during Modi’s official visit to Rome, the Indian Prime Minister presented Meloni with a packet of India’s popular “Melody” toffees. The exchange went viral and generated more than 100 million views online.

Meloni has previously described Modi as the “most loved leader around the world” and has often shared informal selfies with the Indian Prime Minister on social media, attracting millions of views and interactions.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share