Trump vs Meloni: Feud deepens after G7 photo dispute

President Trump escalated his feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, insisting she "begged" for a photo at this week's G7 summit despite her public denial that his claim was "fabricated".

Trump claimed in a social media post that Meloni asked "over and over" for the photograph. "She wanted a photo with me so badly," he said in an earlier interview with an Italian journalist. "I could have skipped it, but I felt sorry for her."

Meloni swiftly denied the characterisation, calling Trump's behaviour "unprovoked" and "senseless". She fired back on social media: "Italy and I never beg." She added that her popularity depends on defending Italy's national interest, not on Trump's approval, and advised him to focus on his own popularity instead.

Trump's criticism extended beyond the photo claim. He accused Meloni of insufficient support for the US war against Iran, claiming Italy refused to grant the US access to Italian landing strips and runways.

"She wouldn't even let us use Italy's landing strips or runways, a great logistical inconvenience," Trump said, while emphasising that the US "contributes hundreds of billions of dollars a year to protect Italy."

However, Meloni responded that Italy still supports US military bases and the NATO obligations. She added that her popularity and political standing are based on protecting Italian interests, not appeasing Trump.

Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, has postponed his visit to the US which was planned for Sunday and Monday. “The serious and offensive words from President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy,” Tajani said, emphasising that no one is allowed to talk to Italy in such a manner.

Even political opponents supported Meloni. Democrat Senator Filippo Sensi said, “No one can treat Italy in this way,” though disagreeing with Meloni’s policy towards building relationships with Trump.