WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Sunday intensified a public dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reiterating his claim that she repeatedly sought a photograph with him during the recent G7 summit and accusing her of damaging relations with Washington.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Meloni had repeatedly requested a picture with him during the summit in France.
“Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G7 meeting in France,” Trump wrote.
The latest comments came days after Trump sparked controversy in an interview by claiming that Meloni had “begged” him for a photograph.
“She wanted a picture with me so badly,” Trump said in the interview. “I wouldn’t have taken it, but I felt sorry for her.”
Meloni rejected the allegation, describing the remarks as “completely made up” and saying she was astonished by Trump’s characterization of events.
The Italian leader also criticized Trump’s approach to international relations, accusing him of showing greater respect toward adversaries of the West than toward long-standing allies.
In his latest remarks, Trump broadened his criticism to include Meloni’s domestic political standing and Italy’s position on recent security issues.
He claimed the Italian prime minister’s popularity had declined because she had distanced herself from the United States and criticized her government’s refusal to allow the use of Italian airfields during recent military operations against Iran.
Trump argued that the decision created logistical challenges for the United States despite Washington’s longstanding security commitments to NATO allies, including Italy.
The US president further alleged that Meloni was now seeking to improve ties with Washington following what he described as the US military’s success against Iran.
“Now, after the United States defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again in order to get her numbers up,” Trump wrote before concluding his statement with, “No thanks.”
The exchange marks a rare public dispute between two leaders who have previously maintained close political ties and cooperated on issues ranging from migration to transatlantic security.
Neither the Italian government nor the White House immediately announced any plans for direct talks aimed at easing tensions following the latest round of public criticism.