Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Hits Back at Trump Over “Disrespectful Remarks”
ISLAMABAD: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly responded to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling them “completely false” and expressing surprise over his statements regarding their interaction during the G7 summit.
The controversy began after Trump, in an interview with an Italian television channel, claimed that Meloni had insisted on taking a photograph with him during the G7 meeting and had repeatedly requested his attention. He further suggested that he only spoke to her “out of kindness” and implied that he was doing her a favor by engaging in conversation.
Trump also stated that Meloni was “lucky” he spoke to her and claimed he would not have agreed to take a photo if not for “feeling sorry” for her remarks.
Responding sharply, Meloni rejected the allegations, saying the statements were “entirely fabricated” and questioning why the U.S. president would adopt such a tone toward allied leaders. She added that this was not the first time such behavior had been observed.
🇮🇹 Italian PM Giorgia Meloni rejects Trump’s claim that she 'begged' for a photo with him
🗣️ Trump told Italy’s La7 TV that Meloni 'wanted a picture with me so badly,' while Meloni said the remarks were 'completely made up' and that 'neither I nor Italy ever beg'
▪️ Italian… pic.twitter.com/Q1mhbiW9Kc
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) June 19, 2026
She further said it was regrettable that Trump does not show similar conduct toward opponents of the West, while being harsher with allied nations’ leaders.
Emphasizing Italy’s position, Meloni stated: “We and Italy do not bow to anyone,” reaffirming her country’s independent stance in international relations.
The dispute has also led to diplomatic tensions, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reportedly canceling a planned visit to the United States. He described Trump’s comments as offensive and said they represented an insult not only to the Italian Prime Minister but to the entire nation.
