Trump's Controversial Claims About Italian PM Meloni at G7 Summit

Tensions Rise Between Trump and Meloni

On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump escalated his conflict with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, asserting that she persistently requested a photo with him during the recent G7 Summit in France. He suggested that her declining popularity in Italy was linked to her stance against the US's efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities. Trump stated, "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly asked for a picture with me at the G-7 meeting in France. Her popularity is suffering in Italy, likely due to her refusal to align with the United States, a nation that genuinely supports and protects Italy, regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions (NATO shares this stance as well!)," in a post on Truth Social.

He further alleged that Meloni had turned down US requests to utilize Italy's airstrips, labeling it a "significant logistical challenge" for Washington. Trump criticized NATO allies, including Italy, for relying on US defense spending, which amounts to hundreds of billions annually. He remarked, "She wouldn’t even allow us to use Italy’s landing strips or runways, creating a major logistical issue, despite the fact that the US invests hundreds of billions each year to safeguard Italy and other so-called NATO allies," as stated in his post.

Trump claimed that after what he described as a military victory for the US over Iran, Meloni was now attempting to mend relations with the US to improve her domestic approval ratings. "Now that the United States has achieved military success against Iran, she wants to be friends again to boost her 'numbers'. No thanks!!!" he added in his post.

Dispute Over Trump's 'Begged For Photo' Statement

Trump's comments ignited significant controversy. Speaking to Italian broadcaster La7 after the G7 summit, he claimed that Meloni had "begged" him for a photo during the leaders' meeting. "She was desperate for a picture with me," Trump remarked, adding, "I might not have taken it, but I felt pity for her." In response, Meloni quickly refuted Trump's assertion, stating, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg." She expressed her astonishment at Trump's remarks.