Meloni accuses Trump of lying over claims she 'begged' for a picture [View all]

Donald Trump has opened a bitter row with Giorgia Meloni after claiming she “begged” to have a photograph taken with him at the G7 summit.

Italian politicians reacted furiously to the US president’s claim, saying he had offended the entire nation, and the prime minister herself responded on social media.

Ms Meloni was once regarded as one of the Trump administration’s staunchest allies in Europe, but recent clashes over the Iran war and insults to the Pope have soured relations.

Mr Trump told an Italian news programme on the La7 channel he agreed reluctantly to have a photograph taken with Ms Meloni at the G7 meeting because he “felt sorry” for her.

He began the interview by saying: “How is your prime minister? What did she say when she met me? She’s probably happy I talked to her. I didn’t have to talk to her.”. He added: “She begged me to take a picture with her. She wanted a picture with me so badly. I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/19/giorgia-meloni-denies-begging-for-photo-with-donald-trump/