Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not happy with President Trump after he told reporters that she had "begged" for a photo while at the G7 Summit.
“She’s probably happy I talked to her,” Trump told Italian broadcaster La7. “I didn’t have to talk to her. She begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted a photo with me so much. I wouldn’t have even done it, but I felt sorry for her.”
The Italian Prime Minister clapped back in a scathing video posted to X, as she blasted the president for what Italians have characterized as extremely disrespectful comments.
Italian PM Meloni to Trump:
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 19, 2026
So, certain things deserve an immediate response.
Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly appalled. I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way towards his allies; after all, it's not the first time… pic.twitter.com/6ahylULwmX
"Donald Trump's statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly appalled," Meloni said, according to a translation. "I don't know why the President of the United States behaves this way towards his allies; after all, it's not the first time it's happened. I can only say it's a pity that he doesn't show the same determination with the enemies of the West, with the enemies of the United States, with leaders towards whom he instead proves to be much more accommodating."
"But he must remember one thing: Italy, and I never beg." she declared
The spat escalated beyond a minor diplomatic dispute, as the Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, canceled his upcoming meeting with President Trump.
"The serious and offensive words of President Trump towards Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offend all of Italy," Tajani said, according to a translation. "For this reason, I have decided to cancel my visit to the United States scheduled for the next 21 and 22 June."
Le gravi e offensive parole del Presidente Trump nei confronti del Presidente del Consiglio Giorgia Meloni offendono tutta l’Italia. Per questo motivo ho deciso di annullare la mia visita negli Stati Uniti prevista per i prossimi 21 e 22 giugno.
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) June 19, 2026
President Trump has yet to respond.